Casablanca – Paraguay is setting its sights on increasing its beef exports to Morocco as part of a broader effort to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries. Following a series of high-level meetings between Paraguayan officials and Moroccan importers, Paraguay is now looking to double its beef exports in the coming years to meet Morocco’s growing demand. This initiative comes at a time when both nations are exploring new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the agricultural sector, with a focus on technology transfer and essential resources like fertilizers.

As part of its ongoing diplomatic outreach, Paraguay sent a delegation led by Carlos Alberto Núñez Salinas, a representative of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino), to Morocco last week. The delegation met with key Moroccan importers to negotiate new trade agreements aimed at boosting Paraguay’s agricultural exports, including beef. Discussions centered on exploring Morocco’s role as a key supplier of phosphate, a critical resource for the agricultural industry, and the possibility of facilitating Paraguay’s access to advanced agricultural technologies.

Currently, Paraguay exports approximately 4,500 tons of beef annually to Morocco. However, given the increasing demand for meat in Morocco, officials are aiming to double that figure over the next few years. This ambitious goal is driven by Morocco’s reliance on imports to meet local consumption needs due to challenges such as reduced livestock numbers and drought conditions affecting domestic production.

Beyond trade negotiations, the discussions also explored broader cooperation in the agricultural sector. Paraguay is keen to gain access to advanced fertilizer technologies that would help improve the productivity of its farming sector. This, in turn, would ensure that Paraguay can meet the growing demand for beef, both for Morocco and other international markets.

The growing partnership between Paraguay and Morocco is also supported by strengthened diplomatic relations. Paraguay opened its embassy in Rabat in 2010, marking a key step in formalizing bilateral ties. Last year, Víctor Hugo Paniagua, Paraguay’s ambassador to Morocco, emphasized the positive direction in which relations were heading. As part of this momentum, a new Moroccan embassy is set to open in Asunción, Paraguay’s capital. The establishment of the new diplomatic mission is expected to further enhance ties and lead to the implementation of various cooperation programs, academic exchanges, and even scholarships.

In addition to trade and diplomatic cooperation, humanitarian aid has also played a significant role in solidifying the relationship between the two countries. Morocco recently donated $1 million to help Paraguay cope with the devastation caused by flooding. This act of solidarity underscores the growing strength of the partnership between the two nations, which continues to extend beyond economic interests.

Both Parlatino and Paraguayan officials have emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering cooperation between Latin America and Africa. While the two continents are culturally distinct, they share numerous strategic interests that are driving growing collaboration. As both nations work to deepen their ties, Paraguay’s efforts to expand beef exports to Morocco are emblematic of a larger trend toward enhancing bilateral trade and fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.

As the years go by, it’s clear that Paraguay’s beef exports to Morocco are set to play a central role in the evolving relationship between the two countries. By addressing the growing demand for beef in Morocco and leveraging their complementary agricultural strengths, the two nations are poised to reap the benefits of a stronger, more diversified partnership.