Rabat: During a meeting on the sidelines of the 19th edition of the World Water Congress, officials from Morocco and China underscored their commitment to enhancing cooperation in water resources and agriculture. They emphasized the importance of water resource management as a means of achieving economic stability and sustainable development amid climate challenges and increasing pressure on natural resources.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, both countries highlighted the need to exchange expertise and technologies in areas such as irrigation, water management, and desalination. Moroccan officials expressed a desire to harness Chinese expertise in drip irrigation, water filtration, and inter-basin water transfer. The meeting also saw discussions on investment in renewable energies, modern agriculture, and the establishment of public-private partnerships to bolster water and food security.
Morocco, a participant in China’s “Belt and Road” initiative since 2017, continues to monitor the joint cooperation plan initiated in January 2022. This includes “Green Belt” projects aimed at combating desertification and promoting renewable energy use. Moroccan officials expressed a keen interest in furthering agronomic research, technology transfer, and agricultural modernization through collaboration with China.
Chinese officials reiterated their commitment to developing joint solutions with Morocco to tackle climate change challenges and ensure water security. They pointed to China’s advancements in water filtration, drip irrigation, and agricultural productivity as key areas for potential collaboration. Both nations acknowledged the need for desalination projects and equitable water distribution to address shared challenges.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue the transfer of expertise and best practices in managing water and agricultural resources, particularly benefiting African partners. Both parties called for strengthened cooperation and knowledge exchange to ensure sustainable infrastructure and meet future agricultural needs in both countries.