Date Published: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Constantine – In a recent working visit to Constantine, Algeria’s Minister of Commerce and Export Promotion, Tayeb Zitouni, reinforced the government’s commitment to controlling prices of essential commodities, with a particular focus on coffee. This initiative aims to ensure price stability and protect the purchasing power of Algerian citizens amid fluctuations caused by intermediaries and speculators.
Zitouni stressed that the state remains resolute in its efforts, adopting a zero-tolerance stance toward market manipulation. The minister stated that laws would be “strictly enforced” against those contributing to the volatility in coffee prices, referencing Executive Decree No. 24-279, issued on August 20, 2024. This decree sets maximum prices for coffee at consumption levels and defines strict profit margins at stages including importation, wholesale, and retail distribution.
Importation Strategy and Trade Regulation
Minister Zitouni highlighted that the importation of coffee and similar products would now primarily involve public operators, such as the Agro-Development Group (Agrodiv). This shift is part of a broader effort to regulate supply and enhance price stability by involving trusted entities in the importation process.
The government is also expanding the number of large commercial spaces through national investments and foreign partnerships, thereby increasing access to essential goods at stable prices. International brands have shown interest in entering the Algerian market, which Zitouni attributes to Algeria’s strategy of curbing unnecessary imports and safeguarding local production. These efforts align with the country’s drive toward economic resilience in light of current geopolitical dynamics.
Reducing Dependency and Import Costs
Zitouni pointed out that the number of import companies in Algeria has decreased from 43,000 to about 9,000 in recent years, reflecting Algeria’s focus on reducing reliance on imports. This change, he noted, is part of ongoing efforts to bring import expenses down to under $42 billion annually. The ultimate goal is to shift from a rent-based economy to a diversified, industrialized economy, a transformation championed by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
For additional insights on Algeria’s economic reforms and strategies for price stabilization, visit dzwatch.dz.
Author: nor-eleslam
