Algeria must accept concessions to join WTO, says trade minister

Algeria is obliged now to accept some concessions as part of negotiations on its adherence to the World Trade Organization (WTO) after it lost the opportunity to be a founding member in the organization in 1994 in Morocco, said trade minister on Sunday.

Al-Hachemi Djaaboub said talks held by Algeria’s delegation and representatives of 16 countries led to sign agreements with 5 main countries. “It will make the next talks tours easier.”

 Economists say Algeria will give very serious concessions if it fails to join the organization before Doha’s current tour.

“There is need to unify efforts of all public administrations and concerned ministerial sectors,” according to them.

 In address delivered at the Nation Council’s headquarters on the opening of a meeting on the adherence of Algeria to the WTO, the council president said there was no choice for countries which want to integrate into the world economy movement than accepting the “current game rules.” “This reality obliges us to know well all mechanisms dominating the management of the world trade.”