Pretoria — Algerian businesspeople are keen to collaborate with their South African counterparts in order to grow trade between African countries.
Speaking at a meeting between South African and Algerian business chambers on Monday, the Vice President of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rhiad Amour, said his country had decided to build real partnerships with Africa in order to create added value.
According to Amour, intra-Africa trade accounted for only 10% compared to 80% of trade between American states and 50% in Europe.
The meeting between the two chambers took place on the side-lines of the African Investment and Business Forum in Algiers. South Africa’s participation in the forum is through the Department of Trade and Industry.
Amour said the African Investment and Business Forum — in which South Africa is participating in with the aim to strengthen bilateral economic relations with Algeria — is the first after the economic independence of Algeria.
“We need to work together, know what each of us produce and what our capabilities are,” said Amour.
The Vice President said his country is keen to diversify its economy and move away from reliance on oil alone.
He invited the South African business community to bring their skills to Algeria and make partnerships. He also urged Algerian business to go to South Africa to explore business opportunities.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s President of the Black Business Council (BBC), Danisa Baloyi, expressed appreciation to Algerian businesspeople for extending a hand of cooperation and collaboration to the South African businesspeople.
“This shows the seriousness and commitment that we as Africans have to do business with each other. I urge our businesspeople to please make follow-ups with the Algerians. Doors have been opened, the ball is in our court,” she said.
The delegation participated in workshops, business-to-business meetings and had an opportunity to see an exhibition of Algerian products.
Source: South Africa: Algeria Keen to Collaborate With SA – allAfrica.com
