Bank of Algeria bans import of citrus fruits and fresh vegetables

The Bank of Algeria has of late sent to the various Banks across the country a note instructing them to abide by the “immediate suspension” of direct banking debits for the imports of citrus fruits and fresh vegetables.

“Following the decision to ban the import of citrus fruits and fresh vegetables by the Ministry of Trade, the banks and financial institutions are instructed to proceed with the immediate suspension of any payment by bank’s order of any import operation regarding these above-mentioned products”, reads the note of the Bank of Algeria dated January 23, 2017.

“The CEOs of banks and those of other financial institutions are urged to ensure a strict implementation of this injunction,” said the same source. The prohibition comes into force immediately.

As a reminder, Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Minister of Housing, Town Planning and the city, now acting Trade Minister, gave instructions last week to ban the import of citrus fruits.

Speaking at a coordination meeting, the minister called for the necessary measures to “prohibit the import of any kind of citrus fruits during the harvest period, whatever its origin”.

Mr Tebboune emphasized to this effect the imperious need to curtail the country’s import bill given the availability of local products of the same quality.