The British Ambassador to Algeria, His Excellency Barry Lowen, returns in this interview to bilateral relations which he describes as “strong and warm”. He believes that the United Kingdom can join Algeria in its ambitions of economic diversification, in particular in priority sectors, such as agriculture, renewable energies, pharmaceuticals, digital, mining and services. financial and professional.
– How do you assess Algerian-British relations? Are they raised to the level of UK expectations?
We have a strong and warm relationship with Algeria, which we consider to be a key partner in the region.
For example, this year the Algerian Minister of Industry participated in the summit on investment in Africa in London, the first strategic dialogue took place in Algiers, where the British Minister in charge of the Middle East and Africa of the North received a very warm welcome, and the British Prime Minister’s trade envoy carried out one of the largest trade missions ever.
We have also developed our ties in the field of education, and I am delighted that the very first British school is opening in Algiers.
– Does this partnership sufficiently reflect the good relations between the two countries?
We can do more to develop our win-win partnership. I would particularly like to focus on the common challenge of climate change: the UK is preparing to host COP26 next year, and we have welcomed the commitments made by Algeria in February as part of its plan to action.
We want to support Algeria in its efforts to transform the energy sector, develop the renewable energy sector and promote energy efficiency. We are ready to provide UK expertise to get things done.
– After Brexit, Britain is seeking to strengthen its trade and investment ties with a number of African countries. What about Algeria?
We have a strong bilateral partnership and can do more as Algeria develops its vision of a knowledge economy. The UK wishes to continue working with Algeria to identify opportunities for future partnerships and win-win investments.
The United Kingdom can join Algeria in its ambitions of economic diversification, in particular in priority sectors such as agriculture, renewable energies, pharmaceuticals, digital, mining and financial and professional services.
At the root of it all is technology, in which the UK is a world leader.
– Last September, during a bilateral business meeting on investment and trade, the Algerian Minister of Industry called on British companies to establish partnerships in Algeria. Did this call have a good response?
Yes, it’s true. There were 270 registrations for the webinar, demonstrating the keen interest of UK companies to work in Algeria. The event received good media coverage and I think it sent a message of engagement between the UK and Algeria.
I particularly commended the role of the National Agency for the Development of Investments in attracting them to Algeria and its commitment to helping British investors respond openly and quickly to any request.
My team at the Embassy is also reaching out to companies to follow their interest and looks forward to increased engagement, both with companies and with relevant Algerian agencies.
The end result will, of course, be the activity it generates. But it shows how, through innovation and close collaboration, our countries can make progress in these difficult times.
– The Algerian government is committed to improving the business climate, which is highly criticized by both Algerian operators and foreign partners. Have you seen any signs of this?
We all know that companies can choose where to invest; they go where they believe the right incentives exist.
Businesses need fiscal stability and predictability related to a working environment. In a globally competitive environment, countries must provide a competitive investment climate.
Companies tell me that doing business in Algeria can be difficult. This can be the case in any country.
I am very encouraged by the recent announcement by the Algerian government of a series of new incentives and a review of the framework
current legal framework to encourage foreign investment.
And the new hydrocarbons and finance laws offer more commercially viable business models and provide more competitive business opportunities for foreign investors and business partnerships.
I discussed with my Algerian counterparts the need for regulatory and tax reform to help stimulate business creation, promote diversification and attract investment.
None of this is easy. But I would like to stress that the UK has world-leading expertise in regulation, policy making and governance and is ready to share its experience with Algeria.
– After the popular revolt in 2019, Algeria experienced significant political upheaval. What do you think of his current political situation?
It is for the Algerian people to decide their future. I think it was important for him to be able to demonstrate and peacefully express his demands for change. We can all join in celebrating the principle of “Silmya”.
There seems to be a shared commitment to bring about the real change that the Algerian people have asked for and now I hope that President Tebboune will return soon to continue to do so.
– At the UK-Africa summit in January 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his country would, after Brexit, be more open to migrants from the continent. Will there be a new migration policy in favor of African countries, including Algeria?
The UK is introducing a new points-based immigration system that will treat people from all parts of the world equally.
From January 2021, the new system will assess people based on the skills they have to offer, not where they come from.
This will provide a more equitable and open system for citizens around the world, including Africa.
The new immigration system will include changes to existing visa routes for workers and students, providing a simpler and streamlined process for everyone.
It should be noted that in the fiscal year ending June 2020, 97% of Algerians who applied for student visas obtained it and 93% of Algerians who applied for work-related visas also had it. .
– Last May, you welcomed Algeria’s call for the reactivation of the UMA which you deem necessary for regional economic integration. Do you think it is possible to have a regional economic bloc in the current geopolitical context?
There are challenges, but the structural reforms Algeria is working on and the ambition for deeper integration are factors that could lead to other benefits of a regional union beyond mere trade.
According to IMF projections, Algeria would gain 1.6% growth thanks to trade integration over the period 2018-2023, while others in the region should also benefit.
A recent report by the Maghrebian Investment and Foreign Trade Bank (BMICE) estimated that economic integration could increase export earnings by 5-10%, which, in the context of oil prices, could be vital. .
As all countries in the region are economically suffering from the pandemic, this could also be an opportunity for economic coordination, knowledge sharing, regional infrastructure development and focus on attracting more FDI.
– Several crises and conflicts persist in the neighborhood of Algeria. There is Libya, Mali, Western Sahara … What is the UK’s position on these conflicts and what does it think of Algeria’s efforts to resolve them?
We understand Algeria’s keen interest in stability in its neighborhood and appreciate its constructive efforts to support the peaceful resolution of these crises.
We share the conviction that in all cases the solution must be political.
The priority we attach to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Libya is indicated by our co-chairmanship of the UN Security Working Group.
We welcome recent progress, especially on the date of the elections, and hope that all Libyan and international parties will commit to respecting the agreements reached.
We support the transition process currently underway in Mali as the government seeks to address the challenges facing the country.
The United Kingdom plays a role in the areas of security and development: we are preparing to deploy military personnel to Minusma, and we are involved in the Follow-up Committee of the agreement which ac
supports the peace process.
We welcome the role of Algeria in the implementation of the Algiers Accord and share the hope, expressed by His Excellency Mr. Boukadoum, to see tangible progress soon.
I myself have seen the situation in the Tindouf refugee camps and I recognize the serious difficulties faced by the Sahrawi refugees.
The UK, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the Group of Friends of Western Sahara, is committed to UN-led efforts to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution.
The UK is closely monitoring the situation in Guerguerat. We continue to urge the parties to avoid further escalation, to return to the terms of the ceasefire agreement and to resume the UN-led political process. We support the efforts of the SGNU to appoint a personal envoy as soon as possible.
