SA takes part in Algerian business forum

News from Africa

Over 80 local South African companies participated in the African Investment and Business Forum in Algiers, Algeria, recently.

The Department of Trade and Industry said South Africa’s participation in the forum is aimed at strengthening bilateral economic relations with Algeria.

“Algeria has been South Africa’s largest export trading partner in the North Africa region, having accounted for 43 percent of SA’s total trade with North Africa in the period from 2011 to 2015.

“The value of trade between the two countries reached over R13.4 billion, from 2011 to 2015. South African exports [are] estimated at R13 billion while imports from Algeria were R463 million,” Minister Rob Davies said.

South Africa’s top five exports to Algeria include vehicles, prepared foodstuffs, vegetable products, machinery, base metals and other products.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s top five imports from Algeria consisted mainly of mineral fuels, chemicals, ceramic products, vehicles and other products.

The trade balance between the two countries in skewed in South Africa’s favour however a closer analysis of bilateral trade trends illustrates that the volume and value of trade is generally declining.

“South Africa is gradually losing its import market share in Algeria,” noted Minister Davies.

He emphasises that taking part in this forum will afford South African companies first-hand opportunity to network, identify partners for joint ventures, and create opportunities for the export of value added goods and services to Algeria and the North Africa region.