US Slams Investment Climate in Algeria

The Algerian President meets with the cabinet on Tuesday. (Algerian Presidency) 
The Algerian President meets with the cabinet on Tuesday. (Algerian Presidency) 
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US Slams Investment Climate in Algeria

The Algerian President meets with the cabinet on Tuesday. (Algerian Presidency) 
The Algerian President meets with the cabinet on Tuesday. (Algerian Presidency) 

The US Department of State has criticized in its recent report “2023 Investment Climate Statements: Algeria” the import substitution policy endorsed by Algeria and the shortage of supplies in the local market.

The report said that “the import substitution policies it employs tend to generate regulatory uncertainty, supply shortages, increased prices, and a limited consumer goods selection.”

“Economic operators deal with a range of challenges, including complicated customs procedures, cumbersome bureaucracy, difficulties in monetary transfers, and price competition from international rivals,” according to the report.

“International firms operating in Algeria complain that laws and regulations are constantly shifting, raising commercial risk for foreign investors.”

The report added that “Algerian government officials frequently encourage US companies to invest in Algeria with particular focus on agriculture, information and communications technology, mining, hydrocarbons (both upstream and downstream), renewable energy, and healthcare."

“Algeria’s economy is driven by hydrocarbon production, which historically accounts for 95 percent of export revenues and approximately 40 percent of government income.”

“The historically debt-averse government resists foreign financing, preferring to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to boost employment and replace imports with local production.”

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered the government to continue the subsidies on basic products and to ban all imports of legumes except through the National Professional Cereals Office.

During Tuesday's cabinet meeting, Tebboune ordered the cabinet to implement stringent dissuasive measures to revamp the agricultural sector.

The President further authorized the import of fresh red and white meat after one year of banning the import of locally manufactured products. This decision aims to alleviate any potential shortages and price fluctuations.

The Algerian President further instructed the government to promote private investments in this sector. These investments will ensure that perishable goods remain readily available and help curb seasonal price fluctuations.

Moreover, he directed the cabinet to purchase agricultural products directly from producers to contribute to the creation of a National Agricultural Products Board, with cold storage facilities for stock preservation.

He also emphasized the need for a clear and consistent communication policy to keep citizens informed about the availability of essential goods, thus quashing rumors of shortages.

“While Russia’s war in Ukraine has led European countries to turn to Algeria as a source of gas, rising domestic energy consumption and underinvestment in production may make it difficult for the country to significantly increase its exports," according to the US report.

In this regard, OPEC revealed in its monthly report on Tuesday that Algeria supplied 939,000 bpd in August from 955,000 in July. Algeria had decided on a production cut of 20,000 bpd for August in addition to the OPEC+ voluntary output reductions that have been in force since May.



Israeli Airstrike Hits Hospital Entrance in Gaza, Wounding 10 Medics and Patients 

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Palestinian homes in the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, 14 April 2025. (EPA)
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Palestinian homes in the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, 14 April 2025. (EPA)
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Israeli Airstrike Hits Hospital Entrance in Gaza, Wounding 10 Medics and Patients 

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Palestinian homes in the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, 14 April 2025. (EPA)
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Palestinian homes in the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, 14 April 2025. (EPA)

An Israeli airstrike hit the northern gate of a field hospital in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, wounding 10 people, including three medics and seven patients, a spokesman for the hospital said.

The strike hit the Kuwaiti Field Hospital in the Muwasi area, where hundreds of thousands of people have sought shelter in sprawling tent camps. Saber Mohammed, a spokesman for the hospital, said two of the patients were critically wounded.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

The military has struck hospitals on several occasions during the 18-month war, accusing Hamas fighters of hiding out in them or using them for military purposes. Hospital staff have denied the allegations and accused Israel of recklessly endangering civilians and gutting the territory's health system.

On Sunday, Israel struck the last major hospital providing critical care in northern Gaza after ordering an evacuation. A patient died during the evacuation, and the strike severely damaged the emergency room, pharmacy and surrounding buildings, according to Al-Ahli Hospital.

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which runs the hospital, condemned the strike.

Israel said it targeted a Hamas command and control center within the facility, without providing evidence. Hamas denied the allegations.

The war began when Hamas-led gunmen attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. Fifty-nine hostages are still inside Gaza, 24 of whom are believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed nearly 51,000 people, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It does not say how many were civilians or combatants but says women and children make up more than half of the dead. The offensive has destroyed a vast part of the territory and displaced around 90% of its population of roughly 2 million Palestinians.