Embassy of Algeria and Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) Foster Stronger Economic Ties

Islamabad - (Adnan Hameed): In a pivotal address to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), Brahim Romani, Ambassador of Algeria, expressed Algeria's keen interest in cultivating robust trade and economic partnerships with Pakistan. Recognizing Pakistan as one of the first nations to acknowledge Algeria, Romani emphasized the need to bolster business relations for mutual economic prosperity. Highlighting Algeria's strategic geographical position and abundant natural resources, including iron, lithium, and uranium mines, Ambassador Romani encouraged Pakistani investors to explore investment opportunities in Algeria. He urged collaboration to tap into the vast African market and announced an upcoming Algerian delegation's participation in exhibitions in Lahore and Karachi. Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President of ICCI, acknowledged the current low bilateral trade volume and proposed a target of at least US$ 1 billion. Bakhtawari identified potential trade sectors such as cotton, textiles, construction materials, chemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, aluminum, plastics, electric & electronic items, and food products. He affirmed ICCI's commitment to working closely with the Algerian Embassy to facilitate enhanced connectivity between private sectors for improved trade relations. Senior Vice President Faad Waheed emphasized the significant potential for cooperation in the steel sector, while Vice President Engr. Azhar ul Islam Zafar urged both nations to encourage regular exchange of trade delegations for comprehensive collaboration. Former ICCI President Zafar Bakhtawari and Secretary General UBG advocated for direct flights between Pakistan and Algeria to boost people-to-people and business relations. Bakhtawari announced ICCI's intention to send a delegation to Algeria to congratulate Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui on his recent election. Various business leaders including Sheikh Muhammad Ejaz, Maqsood Tabish, Dr. Usman, Khalid Mehmood, Akhtar Hussain, Imtiaz Abbasi, and Ms. Munezih Majid echoed the call for strengthened trade relations, contributing valuable ideas during the event. The collaborative efforts between the Embassy of Algeria and ICCI signify a pivotal step towards realizing the untapped potential for economic cooperation between Pakistan and Algeria.