Morocco is to act as partner-country for Fruit Logistica 2008, it was announced last week.

The North African country is planning its biggest-ever appearance at the fruit and veg trade fair, which takes place next year in Berlin from February 7 to 9.

Morocco has been successfully marketing its fresh produce at the annual show since 2000. At next year's event, the country will provide the cultural and gastronomic background for the reception following the opening ceremony. Morocco's minister of agriculture is expected to be on hand for the three-day trade exhibition and will be a guest speaker at the opening event.

Ali El Alaoui, secretary general of the Moroccan Export Promotion Centre, said that the news puts the hub-nation in an excellent position to promote its wares. "The world's leading trade fair for fruit and vegetable marketing enables us to present our rich agricultural potential within the framework of a global market overview in Berlin," he enthused.

Thanks to its mild climate, Morocco produces year round and has carved itself a position as a European market supplier. This year, Morocco will export 1.2 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables, including 580,000 tonnes of citrus fruit. Along with countries in Western Europe, Morocco supplies agricultural products to Russia, Latin America and Canada.

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