On Thursday, the Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Tayeb Zitouni, accompanied by the Governor of Boumerdès, Fawzia Naama, oversaw the inspection of the newly launched specialized grape market in Bordj Menaiel.
According to a statement from the ministry, the minister emphasized the importance of Boumerdès as a prime grape-producing region, accounting for over 50% of the national output. He highlighted the ministry’s efforts to create commercial spaces that function as seasonal markets, aimed at facilitating farmers in marketing their produce.
Zitouni also pointed out that these seasonal commercial spaces are designed to enable farmers to sell their products directly to consumers with ease. The ministry plans to expand these specialized markets to include other high-yield products based on regional production strengths. Examples include the apple market in Khenchela, tomato and potato markets in El Oued, date markets in El Oued, Biskra, and Ouargla, the olive and its derivatives market in Sig (Mascara), and the garlic market in Teleghma (Mila).
The minister noted that these seasonal markets represent a significant step towards organizing and structuring informal markets and facilitating the sale of surplus seasonal agricultural products. This initiative aims to stabilize the market and ensure the quality of products offered to consumers.
Zitouni further revealed that market regulation will be based on foundational commercial structures. The ministry plans to establish major commercial centers and logistical hubs to organize distribution chains and reduce the role of intermediaries.
In the context of encouraging investment and partnerships, Zitouni called for greater private sector involvement in wholesale markets that supply the national market with vegetables. He observed that private sector contributions to these wholesale markets remain limited and urged for increased participation.
