Japan’s Ambassador: we will set up a project in the Algerian desert to produce solar energy

Japan’s large car makers are interested in the Algerian market. Japanese products in Algeria have the same quality of items marketed in Europe and America. Partnership between the two countries in solar energy is expected, Ambassador Masaya Fujiwara told Echorouk in an interview.

How do you assess relations between the two countries in political at economic levels?

Bilateral relations between Algeria and Japan are excellent. Those go back to the era before the independence of your country. Many Algerians and Japanese do not know that. An office was opened to represent the FLN party on Tokyo in 1958. This shows how the relations are strong.

They got stronger in the 1970’s. Japanese played a big role in building and developing Algeria’s economy. Arzew complex is a pillar of the Algerian economy. 

In my capacity of Japan’s Ambassador to Algiers, I am working hard to bring back Japanese companies and businessmen to Algeria. 

What are cooperation opportunities between the two countries?

We are working for the reinforcement of cooperation in renewable energies. A project is planned to produce power from solar energy in Algeria.

It would last for five years. The University of Oran will be part of it. Renewable energies development is a vital issue for our countries.

We are also interested in sea fishing. Japan can develop this sector in Algeria thanks to its experience.

How do you assess investment reality in Algeria? Does the 51/49 rule hinder starting a business?

Big companies do not find any difficulty but it is a little bit complicated for small and medium-sized companies. This rule can reflect a close market for some foreign investors.

We hope that Japanese companies could deal with this rule. I am confident that the Algerian government will encourage Japanese companies to come here.

You spoke about car makers who are interested in the Algerian market. Does it mean Japanese car making plants would be established in Algeria?

I can not give an exact answer. I do not have enough information about companies which want to set up plants in Algeria. Japanese car makers are very interested in Algeria as it is the second largest African market.

I let you know that many Japanese car makers are working on achieving preliminary projects to establish plants here in Algeria.

Is the quality of Japanese products in your country, in America and Europe is the same in Algeria?

Japanese products quality in Algeria is the same. Japanese companies respected the same rule: to preserve the Japanese product reputation. Technology transfer is done and local executives are trained.

How many Algerians are living in Japan? How many visas were granted last week?

A total of 667 Algerians live in Japan. Last year, we granted 605 visas.

Japan reached a high development level although it does not have large human resources. What is your philosophy behind your impressing situation?

Japanese people make huge efforts. A century ago, they launched an economic and industrial revolution. After the World War II, we achieved remarkable economic growth.

Speaking about Japanese people’s philosophy, it is about balance. We live in an almost isolated place but we are still attached to our collective living way. Japanese people are neither rich nor poor. Out of 125 million people, there are more than 100 million of middle class. This shows that the overwhelming majority of Japanese people are from middle class.

The Japanese individual is behind this economic growth. It is an efficient element in this group which preserves its heritage and traditions. Technology also helped us to develop.

Japanese community remains conservative.