Experts: “Free Zones Will Shore Up Algeria’s World Exports”

Experts who got together Wednesday at the University of Boumerdes, 50 km east of Algiers, argued that the creation of free zones meant for export, nationwide, is now necessary for the fostering of sustainable development and the promotion of profit-yielding investments.

During a broad-based meeting held under the theme: “Foreign Direct Investment and the future of industrial free zones for export”, various speakers surmised that “free zones for export are among the most important mechanisms that will allow the Algeria to join the club of the exporting countries, and be part of the network of global markets”.

For international expert Mebarek Malek Serai “free zones can be a profitable contribution to Algeria, to its potential and its natural resources, which will allow for the diversification of its economy, while providing a substitute for the decline of its oil-related incomes. “

“I think there’s a need for the creation of free zones as an integral part of the dynamics of the revival of the national economy,” he added, while calling for the establishment of a legal framework to facilitate the setting up of these free areas across the country.

After highlighting the enactment in 2003 of a law on the creation of free zones, before its cancellation in 2006, Mr. Serai pointed out that government services have consulted recently him as an international expert, to advise on developing the new draft investment law.

“This law provides for important incentives to facilitate the creation of free zones,” he stressed, in this regard.

In his turn, the president of the Association of Algerian exporters, Ali Bey Naceri, argued that “free economic zones are a mechanism that allows a country to integrate the global economic network in which Algeria is not involved for the time being, “he said, adding that it is a” mechanism taking into account of the specificities of each country, and that might be an area for foreign investors. “

“It is also an indicator of the level of attractiveness of all countries,” he noted.

For her part, Dr. Nacira Yahiaoui, Rector of the Faculty of Economics, Commerce and Management Sciences, organizer of the meeting, highlighted the existence in the world, of many countries which have developed their respective economies through foreign direct investments, by ensuring an adequate business climate and the setting up of free zones destined to exports.

“The industrial free zones for export are economic zones par excellence and very competitive, in view of the quality of their infrastructure and their non-bureaucratic management system, paving the way for a gradual transition from a planned economy to a free market economy”, the expert underscored to this effect.