Official at the Department of Commerce for Europe and the Middle East, and representative in the U.S. administration, Paul Burkhid, said, “My country is supporting Algeria in its efforts to join the World Trade Organization. Algeria is an important partner in commerce”.

• Burkhid, who finished his two days visit to Algeria, said in a press conference at the United States Embassy in Algiers, said; “Washington is seeking to develop the economic relations with Algeria because of its important economic possibilities. This requires a serious support by the U.S. in order to allow Algeria join the WTO, thing which would contribute in receiving the Algerian products with few customs obstacles”.
• “The aim of this visit is to develop the trade relations with Algeria because of the importance of this country which has available opportunities and we are keen to seize them. However, the measures of the Supplementary Financial Law 2009, which aims to reduce the import bill, are a real obstacle. I met during my visit with a number of Algerian officials, including the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Industry and Investment and the Minister of Trade, and transmit the concerns of the American investors in Algeria”.
• “Officials of American institutions working in Algeria have expressed their concerns following the announcement of the Supplementary Finance Act 2009. The Algerian officials also expressed their attention to the American businessmen, who have complained about the lack of dialogue before the issuance of such laws. The U.S. investments are interested in the profitable sectors, such as the hydrocarbons. However, some American investors express their desire to invest in other sectors despite the severe measures of the recent Supplemetary Finace Act 2009.”