The Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, received a delegation from the Brazilian multinational company WEG, a leader in the manufacture of electrical, electronic, and technological equipment, at the ministry headquarters on Tuesday. The meeting, chaired by WEG’s CEO Francisco Martinez, was also attended by the CEO of Sonatrach, Noureddine Daoudi, and the CEO of Sonarem, Reda Belhadj, along with several ministry officials.
During the discussions, both parties reviewed the existing cooperation and partnership between WEG and both Sonatrach and Sonarem. They also explored avenues for expanding collaboration in the oil, gas, and mining sectors. A key focus was placed on strengthening technical and technological cooperation, particularly in equipment manufacturing, mineral processing, seawater desalination, and related equipment. The potential for developing advanced digital solutions for equipment management and operation was also explored.
The meeting also served as an opportunity to assess business and investment prospects in Algeria. Emphasis was placed on the importance of localizing equipment manufacturing and maintenance, in line with the memorandum of understanding signed between Sonatrach and WEG in May 2023. Special attention was given to Sonarem’s mining projects, particularly those related to integrating modern technologies in the exploitation and processing of mineral resources. The use of renewable energies, such as solar power, and energy storage solutions in oil, gas, and mining projects was also discussed.
Furthermore, the project to establish a specialized maintenance center for electrical equipment in Algeria was examined, with the aim of enhancing national capabilities in advanced technical maintenance. Minister Arkab emphasized Algeria’s vast opportunities for partnership and investment in the hydrocarbons and mining sectors, both domestically and across Africa. He stressed the need to transition to concrete projects and establish a clear roadmap for their timely implementation, focusing on seawater desalination, promoting local content, and specialized training in equipment manufacturing and maintenance.
WEG’s CEO, Francisco Martinez, expressed the company’s readiness to strengthen its cooperation with Algeria and develop long-term investments. He affirmed the company’s desire to make Algeria a regional hub for its industrial and technological activities through technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and the development of maintenance and training capabilities.
