Italian Ambassador Reassures Algeria On Energy Relationships

Italy ambassador to Algeria, Pasquale Ferreira, did not leave the opportunity without dispelling the fears of the Algerian side, which was expressed by the first man in Sonatrach, Abdelmoumene Ould Kaddour, who accused Italy of practicing bargaining with Algeria, asserting that his country wants to establish permanent energy relationships with Algeria.

“Since this is a very important investment, institutions in the energy sector are always looking for long-term relationships”, he said. 

“Current relationships with Algeria over gas contracts will produce good results”, the Italian diplomat said, in response to a question that came following the statements that were made by Sonatrach Director, Abdelmoumene Ould Kaddour.

On the ongoing negotiations between Algeria and Italy, he explained in a statement that was reported by APS; “As far as we are concerned, the talks are going well, because it is a long way and we can then negotiate about small details and difficulties”.

The Italian ambassador talked about the Italian giant in the energy field “ENI” and his position on investment in Algeria.

“Italian companies are keen to invest in Algeria in the field of petrochemicals, oil and gas exploration outside the land in order to search for new energy opportunities”.

“There are new Italian investment projects in Algeria in the field of the automobile industry”, he said on the occasion of the visit that led him to the Italian giants in the car industry “Fiat Chrysler” in Algeria, in order to study this file.

“The Italian company is currently studying Algerian laws relating to the automobile industry, particularly with regard to the conditions book that was recently set by the government for dealers in this sector”.

“Italian investors are currently looking for new sectors of activity, including cement, elevators, public works and renewable energy, a trend that is consistent with the Algerian government’s keenness to diversify its economy and remove it from dependency on the hydrocarbon sector”.

The Italian diplomat revealed the need to create a space where businessmen in Algeria and Italy meet in order to share experiences and learn about investment opportunities, as the club that was created by the Italian Embassy and the Forum of Heads of Institutions is expected to play this role, and is expected to allow direct communication between economic dealers in both countries.

At the end of March, a seminar will be held to introduce the experiences of Italian SMEs, the Algerian Business Club President Grazela Ferrero, said.

Ali Haddad, chairman of the Forum of Heads of Enterprises, called on Algerian businessmen to benefit from the experience of their Italian counterparts in industry, in order to promote institutions and make them competitive.