Date Published: Friday, December 27, 2024
Category: Economy
The recent government-wali meeting, held over the past two days, has produced recommendations aimed at improving fiscal and financial management while enhancing local resource utilization. These measures are expected to position local authorities as a cornerstone of Algeria’s new economic framework, according to economic experts.
Enhancing Local Economic Integration
Economic expert Houari Tigrissi stated that the outcomes of the meeting, inaugurated by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, align with ongoing economic reforms in various sectors. These include the adoption of a new legislative framework for investment and efforts to integrate local authorities more effectively into the emerging economic model.
Tigrissi emphasized that successful economic development requires active participation from municipalities and wilayas (provinces). However, he noted that challenges remain, particularly in developing the competencies of elected officials, granting them greater autonomy, and engaging civil society and citizens in decision-making.
He anticipates that the meeting’s recommendations will enrich forthcoming legislation, including laws governing municipalities and wilayas, public-private partnerships, and commercial practices. These legal updates aim to enable local authorities to engage in tax collection, attract investments, and undertake other economic activities critical to supporting Algeria’s socio-economic development.
A New Role for Local Elected Officials
Economic advisor Abdelkader Slimani highlighted that local elected officials are poised for a significant transformation. Implementing the meeting’s recommendations will shift their role from bureaucratic functions to active wealth creation.
Slimani underscored the need for local authorities to leverage economic and land resources effectively within a framework emphasizing efficiency and profitability.
Key Focus Areas
The meeting placed significant emphasis on water and food security. Initiatives include:
- Expanding areas for fodder, grain, and strategic crop production.
- Accelerating the construction of seawater desalination plants.
- Establishing a bureau to manage free zones and mini-industrial zones at the municipal level.
These measures aim to enhance citizen welfare while fostering local economic growth.
Structured Discussions and Workshops
The meeting featured five workshops addressing critical areas:
- Financial and budgetary mechanisms for balanced and sustainable local development.
- Food and water security challenges.
- Strategies for local economic development.
- Modernization of local public services.
- Sustainable urban governance.
Through these workshops, the meeting charted a clear path for integrating local authorities into Algeria’s broader economic strategy.
For further details, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: Nor-Eleslam
