On Tuesday, September 28, 2021, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo organized an online seminar titled “Algeria Business & Economic Seminar: Challenges and Opportunities under COVID-19” jointly with the National Agency of Investment Development (ANDI).

* Please click presenter names shown below to download presentation material.

 

The seminar highlighted the overview of investment and business regulation as well as the attractiveness of the Algerian market as a platform to produce and export. This seminar, which aims to introduce the potential opportunities of the country for Japanese companies, also explored challenges and emerging opportunities under the new normal.

Mr. YASUNAGA Yuko, Head, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo open the seminar by introducing the great economic potential in Algeria, and its efforts to diversify its industries.
H. E. Mr. El Amine BENCHERIF, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Japan expresses his hope in his welcome remarks that Japanese companies would deepen their understanding of Algeria’s new system through this seminar and lead to new business opportunities, with introducing its geographical economic advantages.
H.E. Mr. KONO Akira, Ambassador of Japan to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria gave his welcome remarks by stressing that the economic recovery plan and the government’s action plan announced by the Algerian government this year are the keys to explore business potential in Algeria.  He also stated that the Embassy of Japan will continue to provide information on Algeria’s politics, economy and COVID-19 situation, and will support the revitalization of bilateral business relations. 

The panel discussion deliberated on the business environment and the potential for promoting business and investment by Japanese companies in Algeria with the moderation of our African Advisor in Algeria, Mr. Lies Kerrar.

To begin with, Ms. Safia KOUIRET of ANDI mentioned the current mitigation measures for foreign direct investment and introduced its features, such as a cross-sectional character and transparency of the system. She also stated that ANDI provides various support, including providing information to investors, conducting orientations and providing on-site support so that more companies can expand their business to Algeria.

Mr. Tahar DJOUAMBI, Secretary-General of SONELGAZ Group, stated that SONELGAZ would focus on the electric power transmission business in the future, emphasizing the need for partners in its network. Moreover, he stressed that the solar power generation business could be one of the investment opportunities, and he expressed his expectation for the participation of overseas investors and companies in the business, including the production of solar panels. He also said that he expects Japanese companies to build a partnership with Algeria regarding the construction of power plants and high-voltage power equipment, and electric distribution.

Mr. Pierrick GRENIER, Manegar of JETRO Paris, discussed the traits of Algeria’s changes and business environments such as the partnership development of electronic device sectors, industrial diversification, development of manufacturing and increase in electric demand due to the industrial diversification, demand increase in power-saving facilities, and large foreign capital expand to Algeria. He also emphasized Algeria’s potential beyond the hydrocarbon industry. 

Mr. Shuhei UENO, Senior Representative of JICA Tunisia, introduced JICA’s past cooperation projects implemented for Algeria in two priority areas: “industrial diversification” and “social stabilization”. He also expressed his expectations that business and investment will be implemented in the future based on the profound relationship between Japan and Algeria built through such cooperation projects.

Lastly, Mr. Ali BOUMEDIENE, CEO, BOMARE COMPANY SARL, looked back on the company’s history, including the technical partnership agreement with a Japanese company and the participation in the 7^th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), and stated that he considered a joint venture as the next step. The African market has so high potential that it is described as a “3.5 trillion dollars market”. Algeria also has free trade agreements with the EU and the African continent and is the platform for those markets. Mr. Boumediene said that he would love to share these benefits with Japan and mentioned the development of human resources who can work in Africa and the investment from Japanese companies in Algeria as expectations for Japanese companies and institutions.

During the Q&A session, a question about supporting startups in Algeria was posed.  In Algeria, various measures are being implemented to launch startups, centering on public financial assistance such as grant aid and loans. Private investors are also investing in startups. On the other hand, technology, infrastructure and ecosystems still need supports from Japanese companies.

In her closing remarks, Ms. SAYAH Hassiba, UNIDO Representative in Algeria, said that given that Algeria is currently creating an open market, UNIDO would like to continue supporting the implementation of various measures as an investment promotion office and a partner organization of the Algerian government.

Outline

Programme 

17:00/9:00        Opening remarks  　
　　　　　　　　　Mr. Yuko YASUNAGA, Head, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo

17:05/9:05       Welcome Remarks　
　　　　　　　　　H. E. Mr. El Amine BENCHERIF, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Japan
　　　　　　　　　H.E. Mr. KONO Akira, Japanese Ambassador to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria

17:15/9:15       Panel Discussion
Moderator: Mr. Lies KERRAR, Advisor in Algeria, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo
Panelists:
Ms. Safia KOUIRET, Director of studies in charge of investment promotion, ANDI
Mr. Tahar DJOUAMBI, Secretary General, SONELGAZ Group
Mr. Ali BOUMEDIENE, CEO, BOMARE COMPANY SARL
Mr. Pierrick GRENIER, Maneger, JETRO Paris
Mr. Shuhei UENO, Senior Representative, JICA Tunisia

18:25/10:25       Closing remarks
                          Ms. SAYAH Hassiba, UNIDO Representative in Algeria

Contact for inquiries

　Ms. Onozaki, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo
　 E-mail: itpo.tokyo@unido.org