President Abdelmadjid Tebboune demonstrated Algeria’s unwavering commitment to economic sovereignty and industrial excellence during the opening of the 56th Algiers International Fair on Monday, emphasizing the critical importance of enhancing national product competitiveness while achieving self-sufficiency and boosting exports, particularly in the industrial sector which has witnessed remarkable development in recent years.Presidential Vision for Economic IndependenceDuring his comprehensive tour of the fair, President Tebboune urged economic operators to “raise the ceiling of ambition” in investment and continue working to enhance competitiveness and improve the quality of national products. The President praised the significant progress achieved by multiple sectors, especially mechanical engineering, military industries, and textiles, while emphasizing the necessity of strengthening export capabilities alongside contributing to reducing imports.Military Industrial Capabilities on DisplayPresident Tebboune spent considerable time at the military industries pavilion, where he received detailed briefings on the activities of several institutions operating in communications, military installations, and weapons manufacturing. He expressed particular admiration for achievements in optical fiber production, signal equipment manufacturing and maintenance, explosive materials production, and the work of the National Institute for Cartography and Remote Sensing under the Ministry of National Defense.The President demonstrated Algeria’s strategic approach to technological independence by ordering that national institutions, including those affiliated with the People’s National Army, participate in the project to equip educational institutions with electronic tablets. He emphasized that military institutions, the National Electronics Industries Corporation “ENIE,” and private companies should contribute to covering “at least 50 to 60 percent” of educational institutions’ computer equipment needs with locally-made products.Strategic Import Substitution InitiativesIn a bold move toward economic sovereignty, President Tebboune announced that Algeria would move toward prohibiting the import of optical fibers except with approval from the Ministry of National Defense, coinciding with the upcoming launch of a specialized optical fiber unit under the same ministry. This decision underscores Algeria’s commitment to reducing import dependency while strengthening domestic industrial capabilities.Support for Emerging Enterprises and InnovationThe President highlighted Algeria’s significant progress in supporting startups, reaffirming that efforts continue to achieve the goal of making the national economy “rank first or second in Africa.” During visits to emerging enterprise pavilions, he witnessed the important advancement the country has made in fostering innovation and technological mastery among young entrepreneurs.Textile and Manufacturing Sector DevelopmentPresident Tebboune visited the “JITEX” textile and leather industry complex pavilion, where he learned about the group’s achievements, which has experienced a qualitative leap in recent years through production diversification, quality improvement, and modernization of distribution methods in partnership with startups active in e-commerce.At the VMS company pavilion, specializing in motorcycles and light vehicles, the President encouraged economic operators to raise their investment ambitions and contribute to creating added value and employment opportunities. He praised the company’s success in diversifying its products, including motorcycles and light transport vehicles designed for young investors and used in commerce, services, and crafts.Agricultural Self-Sufficiency GoalsThe President emphasized the importance of projects undertaken by the Hassnaoui Group, particularly in agriculture through seed production, which will reduce input costs for farmers, contribute to reducing imports, and enhance the country’s self-sufficiency. This aligns with Algeria’s broader strategy of achieving agricultural independence and food security.International Partnerships and Regional SolidarityThe fair featured Oman as the guest of honor, reflecting the growing dynamism in Algerian-Omani relations following recent mutual visits between officials from both countries and the signing of several bilateral cooperation agreements. Omani operators praised the significant progress in bilateral relations and highlighted the promising investment opportunities that Algeria offers.At the Palestinian pavilion, President Tebboune received a gift representing the “Noble Jerusalem, Crown Jewel” model in recognition of his “support for the Palestinian cause and great respect for the brotherly Palestinian people,” as stated by Palestine’s Ambassador to Algeria, Fayez Abu Aita. The President also toured pavilions of the Sahrawi Republic, Tunisia, and Mauritania’s Nouadhibou Free Zone Authority, demonstrating Algeria’s continued solidarity with liberation movements and regional partners.Industrial Expansion and Employment CreationDuring his visit to the Algerian General Mechanics (AGM) pavilion in Sidi Bel Abbès, President Tebboune received detailed explanations about the institution’s activities in producing public works, construction, and agricultural equipment. He emphasized the necessity of “meeting national needs and then moving toward export” and called on company officials to implement a full-time work system (24 hours/24) to achieve this goal.The President also ordered the Director General of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency to facilitate the implementation of an investment project for a motorcycle manufacturing complex in Bouira province “before the end of this month,” demonstrating his hands-on approach to accelerating industrial development.Fair’s Scope and International ParticipationThe 56th Algiers International Fair, held under the theme “For Mutual and Sustainable Cooperation,” attracted 684 exhibitors, including 145 foreign companies representing 31 countries from all five continents. This significant international participation reflects Algeria’s growing attractiveness as an investment destination and its successful economic reforms implemented since 2020.The six-day event, running through June 28, features a comprehensive program of economic conferences and meetings, including Algeria-Czech Republic, Algeria-Pakistan, and Algeria-Tanzania business forums, positioning Algeria as a continental hub for economic cooperation and investment opportunities.President Tebboune’s leadership at this international forum clearly demonstrates Algeria’s determination to achieve economic independence, technological sovereignty, and regional leadership while maintaining solidarity with liberation movements and fostering mutually beneficial international partnerships.
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