News

WTC Algiers launches the Digital Business Club!

January 8, 2020 - "Young people today have many opportunities, including those to create their own business in a situation marked by a frenzied development of new technologies which offers them employment and business prospects" said Ahmed Tibaoui, CEO by WTC Algiers in his inaugural speech during a debate meeting organized by WTC on Startups. The opportunity for the speaker to announce in the process the creation of the Digital Business Club Algeria (DBCA). "Our initiative is part of the government's approach, which today has three structures dedicated to digital development in general," he said, explaining: "The WTC has decided to create a DBCA for 'Effect of setting up an environment allowing digital professionals to meet regularly so that each member can get to know, exchange and develop with others within the framework of Networking ”. Tibaoui also indicated that “The creation of this club is part of a global framework within the world network of Word Trade Center Association, translated by the creation of several accelerators and incubators around the world. We want DBCA to be able to support startups and companies in their national and international development in order to contribute positively to national economic growth. ” He will also specify that “DBCA will regularly organize thematic meetings in order to inform, among other things, about the latest technologies and other news related to digital with the participation of players in the field in order to debate and adopt the different approaches in order to 'consider the best ways to operate the digital transition in the most optimal way and support digital internally to bring the company a competitive advantage'. Read More

Algeria Tourism Award: Hotels under a lucky star

December 15, 2019 - The World Trade Center Algiers set the scene last Tuesday at the CIC in Algiers to organize the first edition of the Tourism Trophy. The best hotels in Algeria and the best Algerian promotional video were awarded. The honorary prize was awarded to the "Gazelle d'Or Resort & Spa" and the prize for the best promotional video went to SkyCam Algeria, which specializes in audiovisual production. The best 4 star hotels were AZ Hotels Le Zephyr Mostaganem, Lamaraz Arts hôtel and New Day and the five star distinctions went to Sheraton Annaba, AZ Montana and Sofitel Alger. For Ahmed Tibaoui, CEO of WTC Algiers, it is about "highlighting a sector which can become predominant, promoting it and making the destination Algeria more known". He added that "it is imperative that we become aware of the need of the diversification of the economy and allow the country to have more financial resources outside hydrocarbons revenues". In reality and in view of the delicate economic situation, diversification is an absolute necessity, but this requires unity and a “working hand in hand” attitude “ The authorities must seize this opportunity to better organize themselves, train their staff, invest to improve the quality of their services, certify their management to be able to have a chance in this competitive sector and it is urgent to act, to get rid of administrative bureaucracy. Tourism around the world is an engine of accelerated growth and a locomotive of national integration for the whole economy. According to official figures, Algeria registers more than 1,408 hotel businesses in operation with a capacity of 123,706 beds of different standings. 108 hotel companies will be received in 2020 with a capacity of 10,286 beds likely to create 5,505 jobs. The volume of tourist investments is estimated at 2,393 projects (310,274 beds) distributed throughout the national territory. There are also 2,836 travel agencies. Read More

Club Members Cocktail

July 28, 2019 - During the Monthly Club Members meeting, WTC Algiers presented the works done during the latest Trade Mission to Abidjan: "It's an African Road Show that WTC Algiers has just launched with Société Générale in order to connect the French bank customers to WTC Algiers members, in more than 17 African countries, Abidjan being the first step," said Ahmed Tibaoui, the CEO of the WTC Algiers, who headed the delegation. Read More

WTC Algiers launches the African Road Show

July 16, 2019 - The World Trade Center Algiers has launched an African Road Show in partnership with the French Bank Société Générale, with the aim to connect the bank’s clients with the WTC Algier’s members, and this in more than 17 countries across the old continent. First Step: Abidjan, Ivory Coast from the 8th of July to the 10th of July: Ivory Coast, the cocoa and coffee world capital and a founding member of the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States ) which assembles 15 countries in the West African region, was the first chosen host, a brilliant place to do business, with endless opportunities and a fantastic landscape. The participating companies operate in 4 major sectors: Pharmaceuticals, Construction, New Technologies and Energy, and the aim of this trade mission is to assist the Algerian companies to build a new and solid business network in the various parts of Africa and vice-versa. During this Trade mission, meetings were set for the participants with the Ivory Coast Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce of Ivory Coast, The CGECI (Ivory Coast Employers Organization) as well as the Ministers of Health and infrastructure. Mr. Ahmed TIBAOUI, CEO of the WTC Algiers who headed the delegation has emphasized the fact that African business was way bellow its true potential, and that Africa is without the shadow of a doubt the continent of the future, as it will have more than 2 billion inhabitants by 2050. On the program a visit to the Abidjan’s famous port was arranged where all the participants sailed on a cruise ship across the Vridi channel where the participants had a taste of local cuisine. B2B were then organized in partnership with Société Générale Abidjan with local distributors who are all Société Générale’s clients. And last but not least, it is also important that this TM success also lies in the the remarkable support of the Algerian Ambassador to Ivory Coast, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Abdelaziz Bouguettaia who invited all the participants to a memorable reception at the Algerian Ambassador's residence. Looking forward to the next Trade Mission! Read More

June 24th: 5th Symposium on Counterfeiting

July 7, 2019 - The elaboration of one framework law which encompasses all the provisions for the repression of counterfeiting is an "absolute necessity" to better fight against this scourge, said Algiers Commerce Ministry’s Director of Cooperation and Special Investigations Kaci Dounia. Speaking at the 5th International Symposium on Counterfeiting in Algeria--organized on June 24th 2019 by the World Trade Center Algiers in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, the Algerian Customs, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the Algerian Intellectual Property (INAPI)--Ms. Dounia said that the elaboration of "a framework law" to combat the phenomenon of counterfeiting would enable the various players to better coordinate their actions. A cross-sectoral coordination framework among the various State ministries must be created with the "active" participation of professional associations, so to elaborate a database to enable a "combined response," she explained. The official also called for the "creation, under the competent jurisdictions, of specialized sections which would be entrusted with ruling on infringements and offenses," as well as "training counterfeiting control officers." The role of associations in raising consumers’ awareness about the risks arising from the use of counterfeit products on health, safety, and employment is also "essential," she said. Regarding the Commerce ministry role, Dounia explained that the market or border control services "are not really empowered to fight against counterfeiting." However, these services can combat such infringements as part of the consumer protection and fraud fight activities. According to her, the Ministry of Commerce is nevertheless entitled to take legal action to stop the act of counterfeiting, following a request of the owner of the intellectual property right. Read More

June 13th: THE EXPORT TROPHY CEREMONY

July 7, 2019 - The Export Trophy 2019 ceremony, organised since 2003 by WTC Algiers, rewarding best Algerian non-hydrocarbon exporting company, has been given to Condor, specializing in electronic equipment and household appliances. Trade Minister Said Djellab; guest of honor of the ceremony, has called on Algerian companies to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAF) to strengthen the position of local products in African markets. "This free trade zone is a very good opportunity for Algerian economic operators to place their products and services on the continent free of customs duty," Djellab said. According to the minister, this mechanism of African economic integration will also develop Algerian border regions and areas and accelerate access to new markets on the continent including West Africa. The launch of ZLECAF is scheduled for July 7, at the 12th Extraordinary Summit of African Heads of State and Government in Niamey, Niger, but will come into effect in July 2020. Read More

March 04 :The International Women Exhibition "EVE"

March 19, 2019 - Becoming a ritual , the International Women Exhibition « EVE » , organised by WTC Algiers for the 15 th consecutive year , was held during 6 days , March 04 th – 09 th , in Algiers- Algeria , and showcased all matters and requirements of concern to women, such as health, beauty, interior design & decoration , Culinary art …, of the 120 exhibitors who took part to this unmissable Event which attracts more & more Visitors . The exhibition is meant to emphasize on the role of women in the society , building at a time when women in this world has become an active part in all aspects of life . « EVE 2019 » was a special edition , since it celebrated the 15 th aniversary of the exhibition in a convivial ceremony , gathering its faithful exhibitors as guests of honor as a nod to their succesful rôle in the continuity of this event over years . Read More

Algeria has a place to take in Africa 

February 14, 2019 - "Frontier of investors", as described by the CEO of the WTC Algiers, Africa is capable of increasing foreign direct investment. Speaking at the 14th meeting of the WTCA Export Club, dedicated to the "deployment of Algerian companies in Africa", Ahmed Tibaoui sees in the African market, a great opportunity to boost Algerian exports. The approach, he comments, requires an "efficient strategy". In his eyes, Africa is also a continent to be in, citing statistics from the African Development Bank, the continental growth expectations is more than 4%. In the mining sector, Africa has one-third of the world's reserves. Bruno Messerschmitt, partner lawyer in charge of Africa, presented the Ernst and Young (EY) 2018 report , notes that last year was a "turning point in African development" citing, among other things, a 6% increase in FDI, the arrival of new foreign investors who are hitting behind historic investors, the emergence of profitable sectors in the long term such as construction, industry and renewable energies as well as strengthening the resilience of the African economy. The prospects are also good. With a GDP of 2,700 billion dollars (billion dollars), which should reach 20,000 billion dollars in 2050, equivalent to that of the European Union, and a population that should reach 2.5 billion inhabitants, Africa stands at the rand of one of the most promising markets in the world. From Algeria, the report highlights the comparative advantages of Algerian exports, which will guarantee greater integration into the African market. "Algerian investors and entrepreneurs have a place to take," notes the head of Ernest and Young. And added: "the main issues for the Algerian investor are support, financing arrangements, repatriation and exchange control". In terms of FDI, Algeria gained two places in 2017 with 24 direct investments in Africa against 17 investments in 2016, notes the same firm. Logistics: a big snag The first foreign investors in Africa in 2017, the report points out, were respectively the United States (130 projects), Great Britain (72 projects), France (61), China (54), Germany ( 39), Switzerland (30), South Africa (29). Like all markets, Africa's is not risk-free.In his presentation, Mr Messerschmitt indicates that the most risks are of a macroeconomic nature, to which is added the informal markets which, according to him, represents between 40 and 60% of Africa's GDP, the lack of infrastructure, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. insecurity, tax harassment, governance, high dependence on raw materials, as well as the lack of basic infrastructure in general and especially in logistics and electrification. "Only half of the annual needs of $ 100 billion of infrastructure investment in Africa is covered," the speaker said. Speaking at the debates, Mrs Sihem Mokrani, in charge of economic cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, assured that Algerian diplomatic representations in Africa are doing their best to inform national operators about investment opportunities in the continent. The department she represents is working to set up a digital platform bringing together all the regional and international institutions responsible for facilitating intra-African trade. Read More

Partnership between Aigle Azur and WTC Algiers

January 20, 2019 - Mr Ahmed Tibaoui and Yacine Benslimane, respectively CEO of WTC Algiers and General Manager of the Airline Aigle Azur , held this Saturday ,19th of January, the signing of an MoU whereby Aigle Azur agreescommitts to give an special rate to the WTC Algiers Members "Our company is committed to work hands in hand with the Algerian economic operators " said Mr Benslimane. Thus, special discounts will be granted to Algerian exporters to get their goods to all destinations within the Aigle Azur network. "this fits right in line with the recommendations of the Algerian authorities relating to its economic diversification "he added.For his part, Mr. Ahmed Tibaoui the Ceo of the WTC Algiers said that 2019 was "a pivotal year for exporters." While welcoming the Aigle Azur capabilities, he also called Algerian exporters to "seize this opportunity to be present in international markets" Read More

Export Club Meeting

November 29, 2018 - The World Trade Center Export Club organized this Wednesday, November 21st, a meeting on Freight, with the support of ARKAS Algeria, the Mediterranean leader of maritime transport. A strategic meeting as logistics remains the weakest link in the export chain and companies based in Algeria, can barely adapt to the growing needs of exporters.During his speech, Mr. Adlane BELABDELOUAHAB General Manager of ARKAS encouraged the exporters to get closer to ARKAS in order to identify solutions together, and this, in all transparency.Also at this meeting Mr. Johan SPONAR CEO of the SALVEO Group, presented the different services that the Salveo Group offers to companies wishing to invest in Africa, which was followed by a signature of an MoU with Mr. Ahmed TIBAOUI CEO of the World Trade Center Algiers. Read More

WTC Algiers Discusses Export Finance

October 21, 2018 - The World Trade Center Algiers has organized its bimestrial Export Club gathering to share with its members the latest news and innovations in regards international trade , with an emphasis on “Export Finance” with the expertise of the international Bank Société Generale Algerie (SGA). In its opening statement, Soreya Kaci, Head of Global Transactions Banking at SGA said its bank wants to join the export game, in developing innovative and customized services that facilitates the expansion of international trade in Algeria by accompanying Algerian business leaders in their financial dealings with their international clients in countries where the bank(i.e SGA) has subsidiaries. For its part, Sherif Younès, Head of Regulations at SGA, noted that the SGA will be able to provide, through its trading department, services and advice to Algerian exporters, and guarantee a secure exchange rate, especially with the local currency's depreciation. As for the second part of the event , Aigle Azur the international French Airline now owned by David Neeleman the owner of Azul Brazilian Airlines, has announced a new fret forwarding service for the Algerian operators as the company has large carriers to load exportable goods . The airline, Aigle Azur,who recently obtained an ACC3 certification (Air Cargo Third Country Carrier) from the French authorities ,is ready to begin cargo flights connecting Algiers to several destinations in Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia through its DSA Agent ALTISA who is a member of the WTC Algiers Export Club. This announcement was made by the Operations Director of Aigle Azur in Algeria, Yacine Benslimane, Tuesday evening. The company offers cargo flights from Algiers to Paris Orly, Lyon, Marseille, Mulhouse, Toulouse, Berlin, Milan, Bamako, Porto, Moscow, Dakar, Sao Paoulo, Beijing. The Export Club committed in developing international trade in Algeria ! Read More

May 31 st 2018 : Export Trophy 2017

June 4, 2018 - Export Trophy 2017, rewarding best Algerian non-hydrocarbon exporting company, has been awarded to SARL Boublenza, the second worldwide company specialized in the production and export of carob powder : Organized annually since 2003 by the World Trade Center Algiers ; celebrating the WTC DAY , this prize rewards the best Algerian companies, especially SMEs, activating in the field of non-hydrocarbon exports.The award ceremony, in its 15th anniverssary , took place in Algiers in the exceptional presence of the Prime Minister, Ahmed Ouyahia, the Minister of Commerce, Saïd Djellab, the Minister of Industry and Mines, Youcef Yousfi, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries Abdelkader Bouazghi , The President of the Businessmen’s Forum Ali Haddad and the President of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce Laid Benamor.The Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia stated that Algeria's economic battle is to capture markets abroad, assuring economic operators of government's support. Besides , he Invited all Algerian companies to get close to the WTC Algiers being a one-stop shop in Algeria in promoting trade services for a better assitance .The Minister of Trade Saïd Djellab said that the final report on national export strategy, which will provide the government with a concerted vision on the matter, is due to be finalized before the end of the year.In his speech , Mr Ahmed TIBAOUI said that it is undeniable today that Algeria has a great potential to develop its non- hydrocarbon exports especially in the agricultural products, agri-food, electronics and those of the chemical and petrochemical industries.the challenge is to turn these opportunities into reality with the help of all : Government , Professional Associations , Banks and Companies. Moreover ,he put a spot on the role and acquired experience of the WTC Algiers in growing trade all over the world through the WTCA Network . In 2017, SARL Boublenza; the second worldwide carob powder producing and exporting company , exported its products to about thirty countries on five continents, said the company’s representative Chakib Boublenza.The special incentive trophy was awarded to Lafarge-Holcim Algeria, a company specializing in the production of building materials, as a reward for its first cement exports to Africa.Five other awards went to: ANEXAL ( Association of Algerian Exporters ) , IRIS / Electronics , LINATOL / Cosmetics , SIDER / Steel Industry and SOFICLEF / Tools and doors equipments .The 400 guests of the ceremony enjoyed the amzing Sand-show which was accompanied by the Algerian national symphony orchestra led by the Maestro Amine Kouider . Read More