APS : Tuesday, 21 February 2017
ALGIERS- A working group in charge of following-up the implementation of the recommendations of the Algerian-German Joint Committee has been set up, said Tuesday in Algiers Minister of Industry and Mining Abdesslam Bouchouareb.
Speaking at a press conference, held jointly with German Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy Uwe Karl Beckmeyer at the end of the 6th session of the Algerian-German Joint Committee, Bouchouareb said that it has been decided that the working group would meet once every two years, while the Committee, set up in 2011, would meet once a year.
In this regard, the minister expressed satisfaction at the success of the session, which was an opportunity to discuss economic cooperation between Algeria and Germany, especially in the field of industry, and to examine obstacles impeding the development of joint projects.
Bouchouareb said that Germany “remains a longstanding partner for Algeria, particularly in the field of engineering and petrochemical industries,” hoping to further develop their cooperation.
The minister added that several projects would be signed in the next few months, without giving further details about their nature.
In reply to a question on the possibility to re-launch “Desertec” project in Algeria, the minister said that a national and international invitation to tender would be launched soon for the production of 4,000 megawatt of solar energy.
“German firms can participate in the invitation to tender but with a new vision (…) in accordance with the provisions of the new terms of reference,” he explained.
For his part, the German official reiterated his country’s willingness to support German investments in Algeria, adding that German firms are ready to assist Algerian companies in improving their productivity in several sectors, particularly infrastructures and energy.
“We have submitted to the Algerian Government a proposal to broaden the services provided by Germany to other areas, especially in infrastructure and energy projects (…) which would be beneficial for both countries,” said Beckmeyer.
