RABAT, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will continue supporting the implementation of Morocco's "Halieutis" fishery plan, FAO representative in Morocco Michael George Hage said on Thursday.
Speaking at the 4th International Fisheries Fair "Halieutis" which is being held in the southern city of Agadir, Hage stressed FAO's full readiness to develop and maintain collaboration to assist the country to carry out the nationwide plan.
Since 2009, Morocco has implemented a large-scale national strategy called "Halieutis" for the development of the sector up to 2020.
A technical support agreement was inked by the UN agency and the Moroccan national agency for aquaculture development to elaborate a strategy for boosting fish farming in Morocco.
According to the agreement, the FAO will provide 200,000 U.S. dollars to help with the funding of the project.
Morocco is the top fish producer in Africa and the 25th largest producer in the world. According to Morocco's Fishing Department, the country exports around 1.6 billion-dollar fish products each year.
The five-day fair hosts 300 domestic and foreign exhibitors and expects some 50,000 visitors.
