Minister Rezig Affirms Agri-Food Self-Sufficiency Milestone

Minister of Commerce and Export Promotion, Kamel Rezig, declared Saturday in Blida that Algeria has achieved self-sufficiency in the majority of processed agri-food products. This significant development means the nation now covers its own needs for products that were substantially imported just a few years prior. The announcement was made during the opening of the "Made in Algeria" fair, dedicated to the agri-food sector, held at the Mustapha Tchaker sports complex.

The Minister highlighted that this turning point occurred around 2020, with national production taking over from previous imports. This notable leap in the sector is attributed to the orientations of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, resulting in items previously purchased abroad now being manufactured in Algerian workshops by local workers. The "Made in Algeria" fair, operating under the slogan "Local quality and promising prospects for export" until October 20, brings together approximately one hundred public and private operators in food processing.

The fair showcases a wide array of national expertise, including dairy products, soft drinks, pasta, confectionery, and table oil, with public support organizations, banks, and insurers also on hand to inform industrialists about available financing. The event's inauguration saw the presence of Blida's Wali, Djamel Eddine Hashas, alongside ambassadors, chargés d'affaires, and economic officials from around twenty nations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Italy, and China. This diplomatic attendance underscores the opportunity for Algerian producers to connect with potential buyers, foster commercial partnerships, and explore new distribution channels. Many industrialists are now focused on exporting, with Minister Rezig emphasizing that Algerian products, adhering to quality standards, are already circulating in markets across Europe, Africa, and the Arab world.