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Africa Press – Algeria:
The economic expert, Faris Habbache, considered that the revision of the partnership agreement represents an opportunity for Algeria to reframe its economic and commercial relations on more balanced, profitable, and beneficial grounds. This requires the adoption of effective strategies, continued improvement of the investment and business climate, and adherence to international standards to deepen trust between the two parties.
In an interview with "Africa Press," the speaker expressed cautious optimism regarding the economic transformations in Algeria, which forced Europeans to accept Algeria's request to revise the agreement that had been in place for 20 years. This was due to the disparities in the economic and financial capabilities of the two parties, which had led to an imbalance of power between them.
The economic expert ruled out the possibility that political tensions, such as those that erupted between Algeria and European countries like France and Spain, would affect the revision negotiations. This is because of the European Union’s pragmatism in establishing economic and trade relations, and the necessity of finding a strong partner in the region, such as Algeria, given its energy, economic, human, and geographical potential.
The European Union announced its acceptance of Algeria’s request to revise the partnership agreement with Algeria. What does this indicate, and is it a sign of offering concessions to Algeria?
The European Union’s acceptance to review the agreement signed with Algeria in 2005 carries several implications, particularly in light of Algeria's current economic reality on the one hand, and the geopolitical and economic transformations happening globally, especially in Europe, on the other. Thus, this development is seen as an indication that the European Union is ready to respond to Algeria’s demands, which could involve offering concessions to achieve a more balanced economic and commercial relationship between the two parties. This is particularly important as the agreement, which was implemented in 2005, has been proven to be unbalanced over the past twenty years.
Trade exchange was estimated at about $1 trillion, mostly benefiting Europe, while investments did not exceed $14 billion, with over $13 billion being transferred as profits to European countries. Therefore, the balance of power between the two parties was unequal and unbalanced.
Recent economic growth and diversification, along with the rise of non-hydrocarbon exports, and the improvement of Algerian national products—now capable of entering various international and European markets—represent a transformation that forced the European Union to accept Algeria’s request to revise the agreement’s provisions, ensuring mutual benefits under the principle of win-win cooperation.
Regarding the implications of the European Union’s acceptance of Algeria’s request for revision, the first point is the recognition of Algeria’s economic transformation. Algeria has undergone significant changes since the agreement was signed, including diversifying its products to include agricultural, industrial, and mineral products, as well as cement. This encouraged Algeria to seek a revision of the agreement in order to keep up with these developments, and Europeans understood this, showing a willingness to adapt to the new economic reality.
The second point is the enhancement of the strategic partnership, which is a step toward strengthening bilateral relations based on the win-win principle. This opens the door to more balanced and sustainable cooperation, especially in light of Algeria’s reliability and commitment to its agreements over the years, as well as its recent economic transformations.
There is a multi-dimensional crisis between Algeria and France, and previously a rift with Spain. Could this affect the outcomes of the expected agreement?
Algeria has experienced tensions with some European countries, such as France and Spain. However, the European Union deals with these crises cautiously, monitoring developments without direct involvement. This approach suggests that the EU follows a strategy of separating bilateral relations from collective relations, which helps limit the impact of such crises on the revision process of the partnership agreement. This clearly indicates the EU’s need for a strong partner like Algeria in the region, especially given the reshaping of the Algerian energy and gas map, which has become the second-largest supplier of energy to the EU. Additionally, Algeria's geographical proximity to Europe and its rich natural resources open up significant opportunities for cooperation in investment and trade, as well as the improvement of the investment climate thanks to recent legislation such as the investment law.
The European Union considers political and human rights issues as part of any partnership agreement. Could some reports on this matter affect Algeria’s position?
The European Union places democracy and human rights issues as key elements in its partnership agreements. Despite reports criticizing Algeria's human rights situation, most of these reports are flawed and politically motivated to influence Algeria’s political stance. However, the EU's acceptance of Algeria's request for revision reflects a desire to strengthen cooperation and overcome these obstacles. Nevertheless, these issues will remain a point of discussion in the upcoming negotiations, and both parties are expected to address them in order to remove any barriers.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stated that the revision of the agreement reflects a desire for cooperation between the two parties, not a dispute. How much can we trust the smoothness and flexibility of the negotiations?
President Tebboune emphasized that the revision of the agreement aims to strengthen cooperation and is not intended to address contentious issues. He stressed the principle of win-win cooperation. This statement reflects Algeria’s intention to reach agreements and understandings that serve mutual interests and benefits, which will contribute to smooth and flexible negotiations if both parties have the genuine will to do so.
Both parties agree on the principle of "win-win" cooperation. What kind of returns can Algeria expect in the future from trade exchanges with the European Union?
The expected returns from this mutual benefit and respect for interests could involve diversifying exports and increasing the export of non-oil products to European markets, in line with Algeria's new national economic strategy, which aims to diversify sources of income and wealth. The strategy also focuses on developing national production and raising its competitiveness to access foreign and European markets.
This, in addition to benefiting from the advantages of the partnership agreement and geographical proximity, will help attract and stimulate European investments in Algeria's agricultural, industrial, pharmaceutical, and service sectors. It will also facilitate the transfer of technology, expertise, and knowledge, as well as promote mechanical industries, which Algeria is keen to develop. Algeria’s engagement with major European institutions will be supported by incentives such as an improved investment climate, energy prices, raw material availability, low labor costs, tax advantages, and a stable legal system for the next ten years.
On the other hand, Europeans aim to secure energy supplies and access reliable and sustainable resources. The strategic geographical location of Algeria makes it a key partner, especially as it serves as a gateway to African markets.
The European ambassador stated, "After 20 years of implementing the partnership agreement, it is now the right time to reconsider our partnership and review our overall relations, especially in light of the new Mediterranean Charter." Can you clarify the details of this charter?
The new Mediterranean Charter, mentioned by the European ambassador in the context of preparing for the revision of the partnership agreement, aims to strengthen regional cooperation in multiple areas such as economic development, environmental protection, and political stability. Through this framework, the EU seeks to establish more balanced and effective partnerships with Southern Mediterranean countries, including Algeria, which is considered a pivotal and strategic partner.
Some experts believe that the imbalance between the two parties, especially in terms of GDP, always favors the EU. How much pessimism influences the expected outcomes of the agreement?
Many experts point to an economic imbalance between the EU and Algeria, especially concerning GDP and trade volumes. This imbalance raises concerns about Algeria’s ability to achieve tangible gains in the revised agreement. However, focusing on promising sectors and diversifying the economy will help reduce this gap and strengthen Algeria's negotiating position. Algeria's recent economic indicators, such as consistent 4% growth over four years, a notable increase in GDP to $277 billion (expected to reach $400 billion), and the stability of investment laws, can alleviate such concerns and result in positive outcomes for both sides.
The controversy over the "coral" product is an example of the French—or perhaps broader European—attitude towards Algerian products. Does Algeria have the guarantees to ensure smooth and competitive exports to Europe?
The case of the coral product being banned from European markets raised questions about required standards and specifications. To avoid such unsubstantiated barriers, this issue should undoubtedly be addressed during the revision negotiations, not for a specific product but for the broader context of trade between the two parties. It is unreasonable to ban a popular Algerian product after a sudden rise in demand in Europe in favor of competing products. This calls for greater transparency between the parties in trade exchange and market access. Additionally, national industries and products should improve their quality and meet international standards to increase their acceptance in foreign markets, focusing on improving manufacturing, packaging, and compliance with global requirements.
This is something Algeria is already addressing, and policymakers are convinced that entering other markets and ensuring competitiveness depends on focusing on these conditions. This includes the European partner’s commitment to removing all illegal and unsubstantiated barriers, as occurred with the "coral" product, to ensure transparency and greater freedom in trade and market selection.
In conclusion, the revision of the partnership agreement represents an opportunity for Algeria to reshape its economic and commercial relations on more balanced, profitable, and beneficial foundations. This requires adopting effective strategies, continuing to improve the investment and business climate, and adhering to international standards to deepen trust between the two parties.
The economic expert, Faris Habbache, considered that the revision of the partnership agreement represents an opportunity for Algeria to reframe its economic and commercial relations on more balanced, profitable, and beneficial grounds. This requires the adoption of effective strategies, continued improvement of the investment and business climate, and adherence to international standards to deepen trust between the two parties.
In an interview with "Africa Press," the speaker expressed cautious optimism regarding the economic transformations in Algeria, which forced Europeans to accept Algeria's request to revise the agreement that had been in place for 20 years. This was due to the disparities in the economic and financial capabilities of the two parties, which had led to an imbalance of power between them.
The economic expert ruled out the possibility that political tensions, such as those that erupted between Algeria and European countries like France and Spain, would affect the revision negotiations. This is because of the European Union’s pragmatism in establishing economic and trade relations, and the necessity of finding a strong partner in the region, such as Algeria, given its energy, economic, human, and geographical potential.
The European Union announced its acceptance of Algeria’s request to revise the partnership agreement with Algeria. What does this indicate, and is it a sign of offering concessions to Algeria?
The European Union’s acceptance to review the agreement signed with Algeria in 2005 carries several implications, particularly in light of Algeria's current economic reality on the one hand, and the geopolitical and economic transformations happening globally, especially in Europe, on the other. Thus, this development is seen as an indication that the European Union is ready to respond to Algeria’s demands, which could involve offering concessions to achieve a more balanced economic and commercial relationship between the two parties. This is particularly important as the agreement, which was implemented in 2005, has been proven to be unbalanced over the past twenty years.
Trade exchange was estimated at about $1 trillion, mostly benefiting Europe, while investments did not exceed $14 billion, with over $13 billion being transferred as profits to European countries. Therefore, the balance of power between the two parties was unequal and unbalanced.
Recent economic growth and diversification, along with the rise of non-hydrocarbon exports, and the improvement of Algerian national products—now capable of entering various international and European markets—represent a transformation that forced the European Union to accept Algeria’s request to revise the agreement’s provisions, ensuring mutual benefits under the principle of win-win cooperation.
Regarding the implications of the European Union’s acceptance of Algeria’s request for revision, the first point is the recognition of Algeria’s economic transformation. Algeria has undergone significant changes since the agreement was signed, including diversifying its products to include agricultural, industrial, and mineral products, as well as cement. This encouraged Algeria to seek a revision of the agreement in order to keep up with these developments, and Europeans understood this, showing a willingness to adapt to the new economic reality.
The second point is the enhancement of the strategic partnership, which is a step toward strengthening bilateral relations based on the win-win principle. This opens the door to more balanced and sustainable cooperation, especially in light of Algeria’s reliability and commitment to its agreements over the years, as well as its recent economic transformations.
There is a multi-dimensional crisis between Algeria and France, and previously a rift with Spain. Could this affect the outcomes of the expected agreement?
Algeria has experienced tensions with some European countries, such as France and Spain. However, the European Union deals with these crises cautiously, monitoring developments without direct involvement. This approach suggests that the EU follows a strategy of separating bilateral relations from collective relations, which helps limit the impact of such crises on the revision process of the partnership agreement. This clearly indicates the EU’s need for a strong partner like Algeria in the region, especially given the reshaping of the Algerian energy and gas map, which has become the second-largest supplier of energy to the EU. Additionally, Algeria's geographical proximity to Europe and its rich natural resources open up significant opportunities for cooperation in investment and trade, as well as the improvement of the investment climate thanks to recent legislation such as the investment law.
The European Union considers political and human rights issues as part of any partnership agreement. Could some reports on this matter affect Algeria’s position?
The European Union places democracy and human rights issues as key elements in its partnership agreements. Despite reports criticizing Algeria's human rights situation, most of these reports are flawed and politically motivated to influence Algeria’s political stance. However, the EU's acceptance of Algeria's request for revision reflects a desire to strengthen cooperation and overcome these obstacles. Nevertheless, these issues will remain a point of discussion in the upcoming negotiations, and both parties are expected to address them in order to remove any barriers.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stated that the revision of the agreement reflects a desire for cooperation between the two parties, not a dispute. How much can we trust the smoothness and flexibility of the negotiations?
President Tebboune emphasized that the revision of the agreement aims to strengthen cooperation and is not intended to address contentious issues. He stressed the principle of win-win cooperation. This statement reflects Algeria’s intention to reach agreements and understandings that serve mutual interests and benefits, which will contribute to smooth and flexible negotiations if both parties have the genuine will to do so.
Both parties agree on the principle of "win-win" cooperation. What kind of returns can Algeria expect in the future from trade exchanges with the European Union?
The expected returns from this mutual benefit and respect for interests could involve diversifying exports and increasing the export of non-oil products to European markets, in line with Algeria's new national economic strategy, which aims to diversify sources of income and wealth. The strategy also focuses on developing national production and raising its competitiveness to access foreign and European markets.
This, in addition to benefiting from the advantages of the partnership agreement and geographical proximity, will help attract and stimulate European investments in Algeria's agricultural, industrial, pharmaceutical, and service sectors. It will also facilitate the transfer of technology, expertise, and knowledge, as well as promote mechanical industries, which Algeria is keen to develop. Algeria’s engagement with major European institutions will be supported by incentives such as an improved investment climate, energy prices, raw material availability, low labor costs, tax advantages, and a stable legal system for the next ten years.
On the other hand, Europeans aim to secure energy supplies and access reliable and sustainable resources. The strategic geographical location of Algeria makes it a key partner, especially as it serves as a gateway to African markets.
The European ambassador stated, "After 20 years of implementing the partnership agreement, it is now the right time to reconsider our partnership and review our overall relations, especially in light of the new Mediterranean Charter." Can you clarify the details of this charter?
The new Mediterranean Charter, mentioned by the European ambassador in the context of preparing for the revision of the partnership agreement, aims to strengthen regional cooperation in multiple areas such as economic development, environmental protection, and political stability. Through this framework, the EU seeks to establish more balanced and effective partnerships with Southern Mediterranean countries, including Algeria, which is considered a pivotal and strategic partner.
Some experts believe that the imbalance between the two parties, especially in terms of GDP, always favors the EU. How much pessimism influences the expected outcomes of the agreement?
Many experts point to an economic imbalance between the EU and Algeria, especially concerning GDP and trade volumes. This imbalance raises concerns about Algeria’s ability to achieve tangible gains in the revised agreement. However, focusing on promising sectors and diversifying the economy will help reduce this gap and strengthen Algeria's negotiating position. Algeria's recent economic indicators, such as consistent 4% growth over four years, a notable increase in GDP to $277 billion (expected to reach $400 billion), and the stability of investment laws, can alleviate such concerns and result in positive outcomes for both sides.
The controversy over the "coral" product is an example of the French—or perhaps broader European—attitude towards Algerian products. Does Algeria have the guarantees to ensure smooth and competitive exports to Europe?
The case of the coral product being banned from European markets raised questions about required standards and specifications. To avoid such unsubstantiated barriers, this issue should undoubtedly be addressed during the revision negotiations, not for a specific product but for the broader context of trade between the two parties. It is unreasonable to ban a popular Algerian product after a sudden rise in demand in Europe in favor of competing products. This calls for greater transparency between the parties in trade exchange and market access. Additionally, national industries and products should improve their quality and meet international standards to increase their acceptance in foreign markets, focusing on improving manufacturing, packaging, and compliance with global requirements.
This is something Algeria is already addressing, and policymakers are convinced that entering other markets and ensuring competitiveness depends on focusing on these conditions. This includes the European partner’s commitment to removing all illegal and unsubstantiated barriers, as occurred with the "coral" product, to ensure transparency and greater freedom in trade and market selection.
In conclusion, the revision of the partnership agreement represents an opportunity for Algeria to reshape its economic and commercial relations on more balanced, profitable, and beneficial foundations. This requires adopting effective strategies, continuing to improve the investment and business climate, and adhering to international standards to deepen trust between the two parties.