ISLAMABAD, August 3:Algeria has extended a formal invitation to Pakistan to invest in its rapidly growing energy sector, which is poised to receive over $40 billion in international investments from across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The offer was made during a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Algerian Ambassador Dr. Brahim Romani, held in Islamabad. The ambassador highlighted Algeria’s abundant natural resources—including oil, gas, hydrogen, and electricity—and urged Pakistan to explore strategic opportunities in Algeria’s energy transformation and infrastructure expansion.
As part of broader trade and investment outreach, Ambassador Romani also invited Pakistan to participate in Algeria’s first-ever INTRA-AFRICA Trade Fair, scheduled to be held in Algiers from September 4–10, 2025. The event is expected to host over 2,000 exhibitors from 140 countries, including major financial institutions and development banks.
A press release issued yesterday said the meeting focused on key areas such as energy collaboration, investment facilitation, and joint participation in Africa-focused trade platforms.
Algeria, now the third-largest economy in Africa, is a major natural gas exporter to Europe, supplying countries like Italy, Spain, and Tunisia through undersea pipelines. Ambassador Romani noted that Algeria’s strategic location and modern infrastructure can give Pakistani businesses direct access to over 10 African markets via air and land routes.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan welcomed the initiative, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to its “Look Africa” policy aimed at strengthening trade and economic ties with the African continent. He also emphasized the role of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in supporting export-led growth and maximizing opportunities through global trade forums.
Currently, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Algeria stands at $43.93 million, with Pakistan exporting textiles, rice, and surgical instruments worth $17.19 million. Algeria exports phosphates, fertilizers, and cement to Pakistan.
Despite the modest trade volume, both sides acknowledged positive momentum in recent years. Participation from Pakistani companies in Algerian trade expos has increased significantly—from just 12 firms in 2022 to over 170 in 2024.
To strengthen business-to-business cooperation, both parties agreed to expedite the first meeting of the Joint Business Council (JBC), established in 2022 by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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In a major boost for business travel, Ambassador Romani also announced the launch of fast-track, multiple-entry business visas for Pakistani entrepreneurs, eliminating the need for central approvals and easing cross-border mobility.
With Algeria transitioning from a hydrocarbon-based economy to a more diversified and innovation-driven model, both nations see a timely opportunity to build a forward-looking economic partnership.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to boost trade volumes, attract strategic investments, and enhance cooperation on regional and multilateral platforms.
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