ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan held a significant meeting with the Ambassador of Algeria to Pakistan, Dr. Brahim Romani, to deepen economic ties and expand Pakistan’s strategic trade footprint across Africa and Europe through enhanced cooperation with Algeria.
The dialogue focused on key areas such as energy collaboration, investment promotion, and participation in Africa-centric trade exhibitions.
The Algerian Ambassador apprised the minister that Algeria has emerged as the third-largest economy in Africa and a major exporter of gas to Europe, with undersea pipelines delivering energy to Italy, Spain, and Tunisia.
Highlighting a $40 billion investment plan in the energy sector by several countries from Europe, Asia and the Middle East, he invited Pakistan to invest in Algeria’s energy sectors owing to vast reserves of oil, gas, hydrogen, and electricity.
He stressed that Algeria’s strategic geographic position and established infrastructure offer Pakistan a gateway to African markets, with air and land connectivity to over 10 African nations and Algeria’s trade agreements with African and Arab states.
During the meeting, the Ambassador also extended an invitation to Pakistan for participation in Algeria’s first-ever INTRA-AFRICA Trade Fair, taking place in Algiers from September 4–10, 2025. The event will feature over 2,000 exhibitors from 140 countries and include global financial institutions, development banks, and industry leaders. The ambassador encouraged Pakistan to take part as strategic investors, not just traders, in sectors such as agriculture, energy, IT, innovation, health, and startups.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan welcomed the initiative and noted the importance of leveraging such global platforms to secure meaningful investment and trade partnerships. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the “Look Africa” policy and emphasized the need to proactively engage with African economies through trade diplomacy. He highlighted that Pakistan’s Trade Development Authority (TDAP) is focused on promoting export-led growth and supporting private sector outreach.
Current trade between Pakistan and Algeria stands at $43.93 million, with Pakistani exports — largely textiles, rice, and surgical instruments — valued at $17.19 million. Imports from Algeria include phosphates, fertilizers, and cement. The minister acknowledged the modest trade volume but appreciated the recent momentum in bilateral engagement, including the increasing participation of Pakistani businesses in Algerian expos — from just 12 companies in 2022 to over 170 in 2024.
To further support business-to-business cooperation, both sides agreed to expedite the inaugural meeting of the Joint Business Council (JBC), which was established in 2022 between FPCCI and the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Ambassador informed that the Algerian Embassy is also offering fast-track business visas to Pakistani entrepreneurs, granting multiple-entry access without delays or central approval.
As Algeria shifts its economic model from hydrocarbon dependence to diversified growth, both sides recognized the timely opportunity to forge a robust, forward-looking economic partnership. The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to boost trade, attract investment, and collaborate on multilateral platforms across Africa and beyond.
