Fouzi Lekjaa Advocates for Regulation of Food Exports to Control Prices in Morocco
The Minister of Economy, Finance, and Public Performance, Fouzi Lekjaa, has called for the regulation and oversight of food product exports to ensure a stable supply of essential goods in the domestic market, available in sufficient quantities and at reasonable prices.
Speaking before the Finance and Economic Development Committee at the House of Representatives on Friday, during the review of the 2027 finance bill, the minister emphasized that combating rising prices requires a comprehensive reform of marketing channels.
This initiative relies heavily on the regulation of exports, modernization of wholesale markets, better connectivity between production areas and consumption zones, as well as the reform of distribution channels for meat and fish.
Fouzi Lekjaa pointed out that after seven consecutive years of drought, it is unrealistic to double export volumes while the domestic market is experiencing a significant price increase. He underscored the necessity of coordinating measures with producers to meet the daily needs of consumers.
However, the minister clarified that this direction does not signal a return to the former model of export regulation embodied by the Office of Marketing and Export (OCE), nor does it undermine private initiatives.
Regarding wholesale markets, he noted that 12 infrastructures require modernization to provide merchants with more sourcing opportunities and to ensure effective competition in price setting. According to him, the government’s vision for their management is ready and open for discussion.
Concerning the connection between production and consumption areas, Fouzi Lekjaa highlighted the high costs associated with this stage in the marketing chain, particularly due to discrepancies between invoicing and actual expenses incurred.
The proposed approach envisions state intervention to ensure this connectivity without the government directly managing purchasing and selling operations. The minister specifically mentioned the possibility of establishing regional companies tasked with bridging the gap between producers and consumers.
Finally, Fouzi Lekjaa stressed the need for these reforms to be implemented in an integrated manner, warning that the execution of isolated measures could lead to the concentration of intermediation activities at a single level of the marketing chain.
