Pakistan invited to invest in Algeria’s $40 billion energy push

August 1, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan has been invited to invest in Algeria’s rapidly expanding energy sector, which is set to receive $40 billion in investments from countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

In a high-level meeting with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Algerian Ambassador Dr. Brahim Romani highlighted his country’s vast reserves of oil, gas, hydrogen, and electricity, urging Pakistan to seize strategic opportunities in Algeria’s energy transformation and infrastructure development.

He also extended an invitation to Pakistan to participate in Algeria’s first-ever INTRA-AFRICA Trade Fair, scheduled for September 4–10, 2025 in Algiers, where over 2,000 exhibitors from 140 countries including global financial institutions and development banks are expected to take part.

Key areas of discussion included energy collaboration, investment promotion, and participation in Africa-focused trade platforms, said a press release issued yesterday.

Ambassador Romani noted that Algeria has emerged as the third-largest economy in Africa and remains a key exporter of natural gas to Europe, supplying countries like Italy, Spain, and Tunisia via undersea pipelines.

He emphasized Algeria’s unique geographic position and its established infrastructure, which can offer Pakistan direct access to over 10 African markets through air and land connectivity.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its “Look Africa” policy, which aims to deepen trade and economic ties with African nations.

He underlined the role of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in supporting export-led growth and emphasized the importance of leveraging global trade forums to unlock new opportunities for Pakistani businesses.

Current bilateral trade between Pakistan and Algeria stands at $43.93 million, with Pakistan exporting primarily textiles, rice, and surgical instruments worth $17.19m. Algeria’s exports to Pakistan include phosphates, fertilizers, and cement.

The minister acknowledged the relatively modest trade volume but praised the recent momentum, including the rise in Pakistani participation at Algerian expos increasing from just 12 companies in 2022 to over 170 in 2024.

To further enhance business-to-business engagement, both sides agreed to expedite the first meeting of the Joint Business Council (JBC), established in 2022 between the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Ambassador Romani also announced the provision of fast-track, multiple-entry business visas for Pakistani entrepreneurs, removing the need for central approvals and significantly easing the process of cross-border business travel.

With Algeria transitioning its economy from hydrocarbon dependence to diversified, innovation-driven growth, both countries identified a timely opportunity to forge a robust and forward-looking economic partnership.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to boost trade volumes, attract strategic investments, and collaborate on multilateral platforms across Africa and beyond.

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