The Thai government has officially handed over a cutting-edge solar dryer, known as the Parabolic Greenhouse Solar Dryer, to Cadi Ayyad University and Tiwizi Association in Morocco. The ceremony took place on July 3, 2025, and was attended by high-ranking officials from both countries.
The Parabola Dome Dryer is an innovation developed and manufactured by Silpakorn University, which aims to improve the quality of life and strengthen food security among local farmers in Morocco through the application of renewable energy technology. The use of solar drying aligns with traditional practices in rural areas around Marrakesh, where fruits such as dates, apricots, and prunes are commonly sun-dried.
The handover represents a practical exchange of knowledge and best practices between Thailand and Morocco, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in the areas of Food Security and Sustainable Community Development. The project was initiated in 2017, when the President of the University Council of Cadi Ayyad expressed interest in Thailand's solar dryer technology following a 2016 international conference in Japan on renewable energy for agricultural drying.
Despite facing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an earthquake near Marrakesh in 2023, the strong commitment and close cooperation between the two sides ensured the successful completion of the project. This achievement reflects the enduring development partnership between Thailand and Morocco in advancing sustainable development.
The handover ceremony is part of Thailand's efforts to promote South-South Cooperation, which aims to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing between countries with similar economic and social conditions. The initiative is in line with Thailand's "5S" Foreign Affairs Masterplan, which focuses on strengthening bilateral relations with key partners through cooperation in areas such as sustainable development, education, and culture.
The Parabolic Greenhouse Solar Dryer is a testament to the growing partnership between Thailand and Morocco, demonstrating their commitment to advancing sustainable development and promoting economic growth in the region. As Thailand continues to strengthen its ties with other countries, this initiative marks an important milestone in the country's foreign policy efforts to promote cooperation and mutual understanding.
The significance of this handover ceremony lies in its demonstration of the growing partnership between Thailand and Morocco, which aims to promote sustainable development and economic growth in the region. The project highlights the potential for South-South Cooperation to drive progress in areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, and education, and serves as a model for future cooperation between the two countries.
By promoting knowledge-sharing and best practices in areas such as sustainable development, Thailand's efforts to strengthen its ties with Morocco and other key partners are likely to have a positive impact on regional development. As Thailand continues to play an increasingly important role in regional and international affairs, this initiative marks an important step forward in the country's foreign policy efforts to promote cooperation and mutual understanding.
Conclusion:
The handover of the Parabolic Greenhouse Solar Dryer to Morocco is a significant milestone in the growing partnership between the two countries. The project reflects Thailand's commitment to promoting sustainable development and advancing economic growth in the region, and serves as a model for future cooperation between Thailand and other key partners. As Thailand continues to strengthen its ties with other countries, this initiative highlights the potential for South-South Cooperation to drive progress in areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, and education.