Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan and Algeria reaffirmed their commitment to their longstanding economic cooperation and discussed strategies to enhance trade and investment, during the Intergovernmental Joint Economic Committee First Meeting on May 4 in Algeria, as reported by the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo.

The meeting was co-chaired by Vice-Minister Matsumoto from Japan and Lounès MAGRAMANE, Secretary General of the Algerian Foreign Ministry.

The meeting lasted approximately three hours and involved a thorough discussion on investment promotion, business opportunities, and economic cooperation relations. The Japanese representatives requested the Algerian government to assist in facilitating the business activities of Japanese companies, addressing a broad range of economic aspects.

Matsumoto visited Algeria from May 3-5, during which he made a courtesy call to Ahmed Attaf, the Algerian Foreign Minister. Attaf expressed his hope for continued discussions aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between Algeria and Japan in various areas, including economic and diplomatic fields.

Matsumoto conveyed the invitation of President Tebboune to TICAD 9, scheduled to occur in Tokyo this August.

The two parties also discussed their cooperation regarding TICAD 9 and addressed the international situation in the Sahel, with a particular emphasis on the threats posed by terrorism.

The Japan-Algeria Intergovernmental Joint Economic Committee was established under the agreement that took effect in April 2024, aiming to develop strategies to enhance and diversify economic and trade relations between Japan and Algeria.

The First Meeting featured a diverse group from Japan, including representatives from the Foreign Ministry, JICA, JETRO, JBIC, and various companies in the energy and manufacturing sectors.

Algerian participants included officials from ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Energy, as well as representatives from startups, the High Commissioner for Digital Affairs, the National Agency for Investment Development, CREA, and state-owned energy enterprises.