Algerian cars will be exported, says industry minister

Algerian industry minister Abdesselam Bouchouareb said a part of Peugeot cars made in Algeria will be exported to North African countries, in response to criticism about the project.

Algeria started manufacturing Renault’s Symbol cars which are still intended for local consumption. “Talks with French partners are underway and an agreement will be signed soon,” said the minister.

“Peugeot unit will be different of that in Morocco. Our neighbour country gave the French partners all the advantages. Algeria decided to invest in this project in accordance to the 51-49 base,” he told a press conference.

“We will not change this base although the French partners criticized it and considered it difficult. “We do not seal partnership with French only. We are ready to open industrial units with investors of other nationalities,” he added.

Speaking about cars loan, Bouchouareb said Symbol is concerned and people can benefit from the loan when the Bank of Algeria finishes internal procedures.

“Algerians will soon have the choice between Symbol and Peugeot cars made in Algeria,” he said.

This comes as French foreign minister’s representative in charge of relations with Algeria Jean-Louis Bianco is on a visit to Algiers.

Bouchouareb also said he discussed with the French official a 5-project-partnership. Three of them are about exporting.

He also talked about phosphate unit in the province of Tebessa. “This project is important and strategic. Partnerships with French companies in transport, railways, tramway, metro and mechanical industry are fruitful.”

“In spite of criticism, French partners started getting used to the 51-49 base. Other projects will be discussed with Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal in October,” he added.

Bianco said partnership relations with Algeria will be more reinforced. “As the oil crisis is on the rise, France will always support Algeria through factories and partnership projects. They aim at exporting products with the Made in Algeria seal. The 51-49 base will not prevent us from entering the Algerian market.”