ALGIERS, 1 December (BelTA) - A bilateral business forum was held in the capital of Algeria. It brought together over a hundred representatives from ministries, organizations, and enterprises of the two countries. The business event was preceded by negotiations between the trade ministers, BelTA has learned.
“Our countries, Belarus and Algeria, despite being far apart geographically, are quite similar. These are independent, proud nations with hardworking people, rich histories, and great futures. And it is this common future that we begin to build here and now. I believe our economic relations are still in the early stages of development. Each side is taking cautious, small steps toward the other. Let this forum serve as the very impetus for us, after which our mutually beneficial relations will begin to strengthen and develop at a more significant pace,” Belarusian Minister of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade Artur Karpovich, who is also the co-chair of the joint intergovernmental commission, said at the forum's opening.
He invited Algerian partners to Belarus so they could personally explore cooperation opportunities and dispel any possible doubts about the need for joint work. “Like two letters in the alphabet: A for Algeria and B for Belarus. Let's move forward side by side and together on a common path,” the minister urged.
In an interview with journalists, he noted that currently, political relations with Algeria are very clear, transparent, and substantive. Both countries trust and support each other. “As for economic cooperation, there is room for growth. Unfortunately, our trade has not yet reached $50 million. For a large country like Algeria and an open market like Belarus, this is a very low figure. It mainly consists of deliveries of Belarusian products to Algeria,” the minister said. “Today, the minister and I discussed in detail the avenues where we can step up. This includes agricultural and dairy products, and the supply of food products from Algeria to Belarus. They are available in our country today but are mainly supplied through intermediaries, which affects prices.”
"Of course, equipment supplies, the establishment of joint ventures, investments… All these issues were on our agenda today," he added.
Artur Karpovich also reported that agreements have been reached, including on the certification of halal Belarusian products for their subsequent supply to the Algerian market. Relevant matters are being discussed in detail by business communities.
The minister once again emphasized that political dialogue and the direction set by the countries' leaders serve as the foundation for successful mutual cooperation.
The Belarusian delegation featured representatives from around 20 Belarusian enterprises across economic sectors such as mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, food products, and education. “Our partner - the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry - gathered representatives from over 100 enterprises from across the country,” Mikhail Myatlikov noted. “Site visits to enterprises are planned. I believe that in the coming days, new contacts will be established, paving the way for the development of our trade cooperation."
Following the business forum, a series of commercial documents were signed. Issues related to payment and logistics were also discussed. To raise awareness of these matters, representatives from banks presented available opportunities and terms during the forum.
Mikhail Myatlikov noted that in Algeria, there are many among the older generation who received their education in the Soviet Union, including in Minsk. “We meet such people. We are making use of this today to establish contacts with modern young businesses. There is interest,” he added.
“Our countries, Belarus and Algeria, despite being far apart geographically, are quite similar. These are independent, proud nations with hardworking people, rich histories, and great futures. And it is this common future that we begin to build here and now. I believe our economic relations are still in the early stages of development. Each side is taking cautious, small steps toward the other. Let this forum serve as the very impetus for us, after which our mutually beneficial relations will begin to strengthen and develop at a more significant pace,” Belarusian Minister of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade Artur Karpovich, who is also the co-chair of the joint intergovernmental commission, said at the forum's opening.
He invited Algerian partners to Belarus so they could personally explore cooperation opportunities and dispel any possible doubts about the need for joint work. “Like two letters in the alphabet: A for Algeria and B for Belarus. Let's move forward side by side and together on a common path,” the minister urged.
In an interview with journalists, he noted that currently, political relations with Algeria are very clear, transparent, and substantive. Both countries trust and support each other. “As for economic cooperation, there is room for growth. Unfortunately, our trade has not yet reached $50 million. For a large country like Algeria and an open market like Belarus, this is a very low figure. It mainly consists of deliveries of Belarusian products to Algeria,” the minister said. “Today, the minister and I discussed in detail the avenues where we can step up. This includes agricultural and dairy products, and the supply of food products from Algeria to Belarus. They are available in our country today but are mainly supplied through intermediaries, which affects prices.”
Artur Karpovich gave an example that Algeria cultivates dates in a very wide variety. The country grows over 100 varieties of dates, of which 25 are exported. “This is just one type of commodity. There are also mandarins, oranges, and so on,” the minister noted.
"Of course, equipment supplies, the establishment of joint ventures, investments… All these issues were on our agenda today," he added.
Artur Karpovich also reported that agreements have been reached, including on the certification of halal Belarusian products for their subsequent supply to the Algerian market. Relevant matters are being discussed in detail by business communities.
The minister once again emphasized that political dialogue and the direction set by the countries' leaders serve as the foundation for successful mutual cooperation.
In turn, Mikhail Myatlikov, Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told journalists that this year, Belarusian enterprises and organizations participated in two international exhibitions in Algeria and showcased dairy and pharmaceutical products, as well as equipment. The agreements reached at that time are now paving the way for the conclusion of a number of specific agreements and commercial contracts.
The Belarusian delegation featured representatives from around 20 Belarusian enterprises across economic sectors such as mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, food products, and education. “Our partner - the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry - gathered representatives from over 100 enterprises from across the country,” Mikhail Myatlikov noted. “Site visits to enterprises are planned. I believe that in the coming days, new contacts will be established, paving the way for the development of our trade cooperation."
Following the business forum, a series of commercial documents were signed. Issues related to payment and logistics were also discussed. To raise awareness of these matters, representatives from banks presented available opportunities and terms during the forum.
Mikhail Myatlikov noted that in Algeria, there are many among the older generation who received their education in the Soviet Union, including in Minsk. “We meet such people. We are making use of this today to establish contacts with modern young businesses. There is interest,” he added.
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