Rabat: Morocco’s Government Council on Thursday approved a draft decree waiving import tariffs on domestic cattle and sheep. The draft decree no. 2.24.1050 amends previous decrees to extend the waiver of import tariffs on these animals, a move aimed at bolstering the supply of red meat in the local market.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the decree was presented by Ahmed El Bouari, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests. He acted on behalf of Fouzi Lekjaa, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, who is in charge of the Budget. This action follows last year’s measures to waive customs duties and value-added tax on domestic cattle and sheep, as stated by the Ministry Delegate for Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesperson.

The source further explained that to ensure a steady supply of red meat to the local market, import duties on domestic cattle and sheep have been waived at set quotas. However, these quotas are no longer suffici
ent to meet the rising demand, prompting the government to take additional steps. The new draft decree aims to increase these quotas, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing local market needs.