Morocco Invests $100 Million in Dakhla Fish Processing Plants

With a total cost estimated at one billion dirhams, these new units specialized in the manufacture of canned small pelagic fish have a total processing capacity of 425 tons/day and a total annual production capacity of 355 million cans.

The installation of these factories, it is reported, is part of the strategic development plan "Halieutis" and the development program for the southern provinces (2016-2021), launched by King Mohammed VI, in order to strengthen the industrial fabric of the region. These factories will not only increase the quantity of landings valued locally, but will also propel the high value-added processing industry, by improving the level of wealth creation and employment in the region.

In this regard, the minister pointed out that these factories will offer nearly 3,000 direct jobs and the products of these canneries are intended for the Moroccan market and for export. All of this contributes to the vitality of the maritime fishing sector in Dakhla, rejoiced Akhannouch, before heading to another unit for cooking octopus and freezing cephalopods, which has mobilized a financial contribution from the State of 30 million dirhams.

Built on 1,600 m², this industrial facility, which offers 80 permanent and 250 other seasonal jobs, is also specialized in the filleting of cuttlefish, squid and white fish and the freezing of cooked octopus and white fish fillets. It is capable of producing 19.5 t/day and storing 1,890 tons.