Algerian authorities to spend 500 million Euros in a four day Forum

The final countdown has started for the opening of the 16th International Forum of Liquefied Petroleum Gas due to take place in Oran, western Algeria, as from April 18 through April 21 amid frenetic preparations at the local and national levels, even though local authorities have secretly expressed their concerns for not being able to complete them on due time.

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•  This Forum that will bring together more than 3400 international experts is regarded by the inhabitants of this province as an opportunity to get their city out of the prevailing lethargy as several major projects that cost over 500 million Euros, designed to refurbish the town’s image pending this summit have been initiated.
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• But the flash visits of the Algerian energy and mines minister Chakib Khellil, that exceeded 10 in a relatively short period, didn’t overshadow the scandal that shook the very basis of the biggest Algerian company and dragged its name through the mire on account of the involvement of its CEO and his closest aides into the biggest financial scandal known to the records.
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• Amid desperate attempts from the Algerian officials to make of this event a springboard to restore Sonatrach’s name in the international arena, the inhabitants of Oran have but one question in mind: What is in the offing after April21.
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• Two floating hotels to host the guests  
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• Oran has failed to book more than 2000 rooms that meet the international standards for its guests because of the lack of infrastructures, forcing the Algerian minister to hire town foreign vessels to be transformed to floating hotels.
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• The town of Oran has always met problems to live up to the major economic and cultural event’s expectations like this forum and the International Arab Film Festival that takes place annually in the same town.
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• A British agency in charge of the supervision of the hotels writhing the framework of  Sonatrach’s preparations for this economic event, has estimated that 10 hotels with a full capacity of 2000 rooms including the “Sheraton” and “ Royal” are eligible for this operation, while the total number of guests could reach 4000.
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• Sonatrach was compelled to hire two boats to offset the deficit. In doing so , the local authorities will put 2400 luxurious rooms at the disposal of its prestigious guests on the town’s harbour, which activities have been frozen as from April 10 through April 25.