On February 18, 2025, several partnership contracts were signed in Algiers between Algerian economic operators and their counterparts from Saudi Arabia and Mauritania. This initiative aims to strengthen commercial exchanges between Algeria and these two countries, focusing on exporting local products to these markets.
According to the official news agency, APS, the signing ceremony, which took place at the National Agency for the Promotion of Foreign Trade (Algex), was overseen by significant figures from the Algerian government, including the Minister of Foreign Trade Mohamed Boukhari, the Minister of Transport Saïd Sayoud, and the Minister of Agriculture Youcef Cherfa. This project is part of a strategy to diversify the Algerian economy, aiming to increase the volume of non-hydrocarbon exports.
Diversification of Exports The agreements cover various sectors, including agriculture, construction materials, appliances, detergents, as well as electrical and pharmaceutical equipment. Among the signed contracts, some are for the export of agricultural products to Saudi Arabia, a strategic country in the region, with prospects for expanding other types of goods. Additionally, the signing of these agreements was accompanied by the launch of the first shipment of agricultural products to Saudi Arabia and Canada, symbolizing the beginning of this new era for Algerian exports.
The volume of trade between Algeria and Saudi Arabia reached $536 million during the first seven months of 2024, a statistic indicating notable growth. However, according to Mohamed Boukhari, these figures do not fully reflect the potential of both countries. He has urged economic operators to intensify their efforts to further increase these exchanges. As part of this momentum, a new dedicated export air route between the two countries was inaugurated, facilitating logistics for Algerian products.
A Positive Impact on the National Economy The Saudi Ambassador to Algeria also expressed optimism about the impact of this initiative, noting that the establishment of the Algerian-Saudi High Coordination Council in 2023 had already strengthened bilateral relations. This partnership could pave the way for more comprehensive cooperation in numerous sectors, thus contributing to Algeria’s broader goal of reducing its dependence on hydrocarbon exports.
Exports to Mauritania, although less significant in volume, remain a key element in the diversification strategy. Indeed, the trade volume with this country reached $135 million in 2024, and Algerian authorities believe this figure can be significantly improved through these new contracts.
