Washington dissatisfied about trade laws in Algeria

Assistant United States Trade Representative for Europe and the Middle East L. Daniel Mullaney Wednesday said he is convinced more than ever in available capacities for Algerian and US economies in investment and trade.

“In 2014, commercial exchanges between the two countries were about to reach $7 billion. Efforts are made to diversify exchanges in order to create new jobs with better salary for local workers,” Mullaney told journalists at the US embassy in Algiers.

“We support those efforts because they will contribute in reinforcing security and stability in the region and not only in Algeria,” he added.

According to the US official, many countries started integrating its economy to the world economy system through the World Trade Organization (WTO). This would offer more transparency and less bureaucracy.

He criticized laws in Algeria as US companies find the Algerian market difficult following constant legal and political changes.

He said big US companies can adapt and work with obstacles in the Algerian market but it is different with small and medium-sized enterprises.

He believes that clear laws are very important. “I mean a framework which enables a given company operating in Algeria to know about required conditions,” he said.

“What our companies noticed here in Algeria is delay in customs procedures for imported goods, in doing business decisions delivery, gains profits and others,” he added.

He called for “more transparency in a legal framework in order to encourage US investors and others. That would be very positive to Algerian economy.”

Asked about Algeria’s adherence to the WTO, he said the US wants to help the country to join the organization. “Countries which entered this organization managed to create more new jobs and to achieve more and better growth compared to other countries which did not join.”

Speaking about the 51/49 rule, he said what is important for Washington is to have legal texts protecting from dishonest competition.

“A set of questions which hinder trade and investment should be examined. If it is about obstacles, we will study ways to overcome them. Generally, I am not talking about the 51/49 rule but only about laws and obstacles,” he added.