Algerian Radio
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb emphasized in Algiers on Tuesday the importance of strengthening commercial and economic exchanges between Algeria and Serbia, calling for both countries to make the most of their potential to establish mutually beneficial and fruitful partnerships.
During a speech delivered at the Government Palace during bilateral talks with Serbian Prime Minister Duro Macut and his accompanying delegation, Mr. Sifi Ghrieb stated that the volume of commercial and economic exchanges between Algeria and Serbia "remains below their economic capacities." He called for maximizing both countries' potential to "develop trade and establish mutually beneficial and fruitful partnerships, particularly in light of the economic reforms initiated by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, which have improved the business climate and boosted investments."
In this context, he recalled the facilitations and guarantees introduced for investors by the 2022 Investment Law, alongside a modernized and updated institutional framework designed to support and guide investors through every stage of their projects' realization and implementation.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the advantages offered by the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI) in supporting project holders, as well as the Single Window for Major Projects and Foreign Investments, which saves time, effort, and money.
He concurrently stressed the importance of encouraging contact between the business communities of both nations. He invited the Serbian side to "capitalize on the positive momentum in bilateral relations to seize the cooperation and partnership opportunities offered by the Algerian market, thereby contributing to the development of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and investment sectors."
Reviewing the competitive advantages offered by Algeria's geographical location, infrastructure, and membership in several free-trade areas, Mr. Ghrieb emphasized that these factors "open up significant opportunities for strengthening partnerships and intensifying investments, particularly toward the African continent. This is especially true given the promising growth prospects and the enhanced ability of both countries to adapt efficiently and flexibly to the supply chain disruptions experienced in recent years."
Regarding the Serbian Prime Minister's visit to Algeria, Mr. Sifi Ghrieb affirmed that it reflects "the shared desire to promote relations between the two countries." It provides "an opportunity to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and cement the tradition of consultation and coordination on issues of common interest," he added.
Furthermore, he highlighted the "trust and mutual respect" that characterize Algerian-Serbian relations, which date back to the support provided by the former Yugoslavia to the glorious National Liberation Revolution. He recalled that it was the first European country to recognize the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic (GPRA).
This shared historical legacy "constitutes significant political capital that should be leveraged to continue joint efforts aimed at strengthening political dialogue and elevating economic and commercial cooperation to the level of our political relations."
Touching upon international and regional issues, the Prime Minister praised the convergence of views between Algeria and Serbia regarding the importance of respecting international legality and the principles of international law. He stressed that current challenges "confront both countries with the urgent need and imperative to join forces and strengthen coordination, both bilaterally and in international forums, to contribute to global efforts for peace, stability, and development."
For his part, the Serbian Prime Minister affirmed his country's readiness to continue the cooperation that has always characterized the historical relations uniting the two nations through intensified political and economic dialogue. He underscored the immense importance Serbia attaches to its relations with Algeria.
Mr. Macut concurrently insisted on activating bilateral cooperation mechanisms, notably the Joint Cooperation Commission, in order to implement the agreed-upon cooperation activities and programs, and to explore new partnership prospects, particularly in the economic and commercial fields.
