Algeria

With a growth rate of 4.8 % and a gross domestic product of 175 billion USD Algeria is one of the largest economies in Africa. Algeria gives German companies excellent business opportunities.

In 2008 Algeria’s GDP totalled almost USD 160 billion, thus making it the Maghreb’s largest national economy. Germany’s exports to Algeria increased by 24% to almost EUR 1.5 billion last year. Total trade volume even grew by 47% to more than EUR 3.2 billion. The Algerian market gives German companies excellent business opportunities, for example through the USD 150 billion infrastructure programme drawn up by the Algerian government particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

After Algeria slowly opened itself economically over the past few years, since mid-2008 the government has again increasingly been taking measures to protect the home market. Foreign companies are, for example, no longer allowed to have majority shareholdings in large-scale projects. Even international trading operations to import goods can now only be set up with a minimum of 30% Algerian participation.

The BDI supports the development of bilateral economic ties between Germany and Algeria and works actively to ensure the economic reform course is continued. Demands include Algeria’s early entry into the WTO and the simplification of visa formalities for businessmen. After Federal Chancellor Merkel’s visit to Algiers in July 2008, during which she was accompanied by a high-level business delegation headed by BDI Vice President Dr. Ekkehard Schulz, President Bouteflika’s return visit to Berlin is now awaited.