Algeria to strengthen economic ties with Pakistan

Algeria is working towards establishing a stronger trade relationship with Pakistan through a more direct approach. Addressing the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), the Algerian ambassador to Pakistan, Ahmed Benflis, said they will like to establish a direct contact with the Pakistani business community. Pakistan is experiencing deep energy crisis and Ambassador Benflis assured that they can count on Algeria for help by increasing the exportation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
To promote trade between the two countries, the ambassador assured the FCCI that the processing of a 3month visa won’t exceed 4 days and can easily be extended if it’s recommended by the FCCI.
Speaking on behalf of the FCCI as their president, Mian Zahid Aslam, said the countries have always enjoyed cordial relations. He said the trade potential between them is great and called on entrepreneurs to go into partnerships in diverse domains and make use of the excellent opportunity.
President Aslam pointed out that in 2011, bilateral trade between Algeria and Pakistan stood at $27 million. Algeria exported $1.15 million worth of goods to Pakistan, while Pakistan’s exports stood at $26 million.
An international exhibition will be taking place in Algiers in June, and the ambassador has already invited the FCCI to participate because he “wants to extend business ties by exploiting all our available channels.”
Both countries have concluded agreements in the past but their implementation has been very limited. However the Pakistanis are being encouraged by the Ambassador to take advantage of the opportunities between them. He also urged them to export rice and textile products directly to Algeria. The country has a great potential market for Pakistani products especially Pakistani textile and, textile products having great demand in Algeria.