Algeria is keen on developing ties with Qatar “in all fields,” according to the country’s minister of commerce, Saeed Gallab, who held a meeting with Qatar Chamber officials in Doha yesterday.
In a speech, Gallab noted that Qatar and Algeria share similar economic visions and efforts towards economic diversification, even as he underscored both the countries’ global role in the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Gallab said the Algerian delegation is represented by 30 companies specialising in the food, beverage, and food processing sectors.
He also noted that Algeria enjoys “distinguished relations” with Africa, which, he stressed, would help create co-operation opportunities between Qatar and Algeria in Africa.
“I hope that the chambers of commerce of both Qatar and Algeria would open new co-operation channels and help their private sectors establish economic and trade alliances and partnerships,” Gallab said.
Qatar Chamber chairman Shiekh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani said in a speech that private sector relations between Qatar and Algeria “are witnessing significant growth,” adding that trade exchange of both countries stood at QR134mn in 2016 and QR163mn in 2017 — a 22% growth. “We are looking forward to increasing these partnerships between the private sectors, especially that there are a host of investment opportunities available in all economic sectors, particularly in the small and medium-sized enterprise sector,” he said.
Sheikh Khalifa said there are many Qatari investments established in Algeria in the past few years such as the Algerian-Qatari Steel Company (Bellara Steel Complex) located northeast of Algiers. The project, which covers an area of about 216 hectares, is the first of the co-operation agreements signed between Qatar and Algeria in 2013, he said. Algeria Chamber of Industry and Commerce chairman Mohamed al-Eid bin Omar said, “We are grateful that Algeria was selected as a guest of honour for the fourth anniversary of the Hospitality Qatar exhibition. The exhibition will contribute to enhancing co-operation and strengthening bilateral relations between Qatari and Algerian companies.”
He added: “The participation of more than 30 Algerian companies in the exhibition reflects the importance that Algeria attaches to exploiting all possibilities available to strengthen relations between the private sectors in both countries.”
Qatar Chamber chairman Shiekh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani handing over a token of recognition after a meeting with the Algerian trade delegation in Doha yesterday.
