APS : Wednesday, 23 March 2016
ALGIERS-The next session of the strategic dialogue between Algeria and the United States will take place next April in the presence of US Secretary of State John Kerry,
President and CEO of the US-Algeria Business Council Smail Chikhoune announced Tuesday.
A high-level US delegation led by John Kerry “will visit Algeria next April to discuss these partnerships and increase economic exchanges,” Chikhoune affirmed on the national radio.
The same official said that both parties are currently working to set the date of this meeting.
Discussions during this session will focus on the economic aspect of cooperation in order to widen partnership at all levels, he added.
In addition to economic partnership, this meeting will also emphasize on other aspects of bilateral cooperation, mainly the fields of security and culture, Chikhoune stressed.
Several US operators are interested in spare parts investment in Algeria, said Chikhoune who affirmed that discussions on this issue “have progressed well.”
Over 150 US companies currently operate in Algeria, in gas turbine manufacturing for power plants, agricultural machinery, electrical cables manufacturing and pharmaceutical industry particularly.
Moreover, Chikhoune stressed that other US operators “are waiting for the promulgation of the new law on investment to invest in different areas in Algeria.”
According to estimates put forward by Chikhoune, US investments in Algeria amount to nearly USD two (2) billions.
He also announced that a delegation of Algerian economic operators will visit California between 10 and 16 April to discuss means to develop partnerships with US operators in several areas.
Discussions are underway with US operators to boost cooperation between the two countries in the mining sector, mainly the exploration and exploration of phosphate, gold, diamond and zinc sites.
Chikhoune also announced the upcoming launch of the works of a mega biotechnology complex part of a partnership between operators from both countries. This project requires a multibillion dollar investment.
