Thriving revenues from hydrocarbons led to a period of widespread residential building in Algeria, with the housing segment leading the construction sector as the largest market in 2011-15, accounting for 41% of the total. Sustained growth is forecast until 2020, driven by an urbanisation expansion rate of 2.7% and a rising population surpassing 40m. The minister of housing and urban development…
Like most of the world’s producing countries, the glut in global oil supply and the subsequent collapse in prices has had a deep impact on Algeria’s economy, which has seen hydrocarbons revenues – for which state finances remain heavily dependent – sharply decline and foreign interest dampen. This, combined with maturing production at the country’s main oil and gas fields, has encouraged…
Interview:Lord Richard Risby of Haverhill In which fields is the partnership between the UK and Algeria most efficient? LORD RICHARD RISBY OF HAVERHILL: We have forged many partnerships – BP, AstraZeneca and Unilever – and have encouraged more UK companies to enter this market than ever before. There are already a number of UK companies doing business in Algeria, including British Airways,…
Interview:Angelino Alfano What are some of the historical and cultural links between Italy and Algeria? ANGELINO ALFANO: The relationship is deeply rooted in our common history in the Mediterranean. Over time, we have established strong cultural, scientific and economic ties, which have led to a consolidated and long-lasting friendship. Today, Algeria represents a strategic partner for Italy…
Interview:Abdelkader Zoukh In what ways is the wilaya (province) of Algiers an attractive area for investors? ABDELKADER ZOUKH: On top of being both the political and economic heart of Algeria – hosting the headquarters of central administrations, major companies and diplomatic representations – the wilaya of Algiers possesses significant natural and infrastructural assets. It is a geostrategic…
What opportunities does the diversification of the Algerian economy present for the sector? BENARBIA: It implies a growing role for the non-hydrocarbons sector, especially in agro-industry, industry, services and agriculture. There are many steps on the way to achieving this diversification. We need new plants, production units, and infrastructure such as roads, railways and ports. This dynamic…
Interview:Abdelaziz Bouteflika What are the next steps for ensuring the structural emergence of Algeria in the medium term? ABDELAZIZ BOUTEFLIKA: The country’s economic pick-up would have been unthinkable without the implementation of a network of basic infrastructure, which has experienced delays due to the nation’s tragedy of the 1990s. Equally, economic development cannot be conceived…
Interview:Samira Hadj Djilani To what extent are women in Algeria involved in the country’s political system and governance? SAMIRA HADJ DJILANI: Historically, Algerian women have participated actively in the liberation of their country, as much as their male counterparts, and this generation of strong women has also greatly impacted society. For example, women in Algeria have always been…
Interview:Abderrahmane Raouya How will alternative financing be introduced to the economy, and what will the advantages be? ABDERRAHMANE RAOUYA: It will be introduced with three main objectives: bolstering state liquid assets, settling internal public debts and financing the National Investment Fund. The use of alternative financing will be backed by important structural reforms and will also…
Interview:Dmitry Medvedev How does Russia intend to further develop its economic relations with Algeria? DMITRY MEDVEDEV: Algeria has been one of Russia’s primary trade and economic partners in Africa and the Arab world for years. Russian-Algerian trade doubled last year, reaching almost $4bn. While it is an impressive figure, I am confident that we can increase this considerably in the next…
