Algeria

<p>In 2016, the establishment of the Arab Countries Trade and Investment Organisations Network (ACTION) under the AfTIAS programme marked a pivotal step towards fostering Arab regional integration. ACTION emerged from the collective ambition of Arab nations to enhance their trade and investment landscape, driven by a mutual commitment to prosperity and interconnectedness within the region.</p><p>Following its formation, ACTION initiated its journey with a key meeting in Dubai. This event was crucial in defining the network&rsquo;s structure and operational guidelines, effectively transforming ACTION from a concept to a functioning entity.</p><p>In 2018, a significant gathering took place in Paris, offering a valuable chance for reflection, reassessment, and revitalization of the network&rsquo;s strategies and direction.</p><p>ACTION stands at a crossroads, poised to redefine its trajectory in an ever-changing global landscape. The Abu Dhabi workshop is not merely a gathering; it is a clarion call for strategic introspection and visionary planning.</p><p>The focus will be on conducting a comprehensive reassessment of the network&rsquo;s current state, identifying areas ripe for innovation and improvement. This exercise is crucial in charting a course that not only addresses the immediate needs of the region but also positions ACTION as a leader in the global trade arena.</p><p>Furthermore, the workshop will emphasize the strengthening of bonds between member TIPOs. In a world where economic fortunes are increasingly intertwined, fostering unity and cohesion within the network is paramount. This reinforced solidarity will be the cornerstone of more effective and impactful regional trade initiatives.</p><p>A significant deliverable of this workshop will be the development of a future roadmap. This roadmap will not just be a strategic document; it will be a manifesto of ACTION&apos;s aspirations and commitments for the coming years. It will outline specific goals, milestones, and initiatives that will propel the network towards new heights of success and influence.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">The project focuses on enhancing the export competitiveness of Algeria&apos;s agri-food sector, a key component of the country&apos;s economic diversification efforts. Aligned with the National Export Strategy, the project targets micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to create employment opportunities and foster regional integration. It also contributes to the achievement of Agenda 2030 goals, particularly in gender equality, decent work, and sustainable development partnerships. By strengthening the entire value chain, the project aims to increase employment and income generation within the agri-food industry, playing a crucial role in Algeria&apos;s economic growth and resilience. Through capacity-building, market access support, and the promotion of sustainable practices, the project seeks to unlock the sector&apos;s export potential, stimulate market competitiveness, and drive inclusive and sustainable development.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Algeria is committed to transitioning from a hydrocarbon-based economy to a sustainable, knowledge-driven economic model. With the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC), the country has formulated a non-hydrocarbon export strategy, fostering inclusive dialogue among stakeholders. The National Export Strategy (NES) focuses on increasing exports, creating jobs, and promoting regional integration.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The project&apos;s primary objective is to strengthen Algeria&apos;s Information and Digital Technology (IDT) sector, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It aims to achieve this through three key outputs. First, it will enhance &nbsp;the capabilities of Business Support Organizations (BSOs), and &nbsp;enable them to deliver effective services, tailored to the specific needs of businesses. Second, the project will provide innovative solutions to enhance the competitiveness of micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) optimizing use of resources and improving quality of their services. Lastly, it will assist companies to expand their market outreach and to attract new investors, facilitating connections and linkages, and securing crucial financial resources for further growth.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Aligned with Algeria&apos;s NES and the SDGs, this project seeks to drive transformative change, promoting sustainable economic growth and empowering Algerian businesses in the dynamic IDT sector.</p>

<p>In view of the challenges to the trade of agricultural products in the NENA region, ITC will provide support<strong>&nbsp;to enhance intra-regional trade in selected agricultural value chains by removing obstacles to export, transit and import.</strong></p><p>The main objectives of this initiative are:</p><ul><li>To improve the livelihood of small-scale producers by unleashing new business opportunities through exports to regional markets</li><li>To reduce the cost of agricultural products for populations in NENA countries that are dependent on imports.</li></ul>

<p>The Euromed Trade and Investment Facilitation Mechanism project (TIFM) phase II builds on the success of phase I, implemented by ITC between Jan. 2014 and Jun. 2017. &nbsp;</p><p>On 30^th June 2017, ITC launched the Euromed Trade Helpdesk, an online tool and problem-solving network enhancing regional trade transparency. In March 2018, Trade Ministers from the Mediterranean region endorsed the Helpdesk as a pioneering tool for comprehensive regional trade intelligence. During the first 3 years of its existence, the Helpdesk attracted more than 34,000 users who accessed transparent and reliable market information.&nbsp;</p><p>Following positive feedback and requests for more information and engagement, ITC designed TIFM II to include more data, covering investment and trade in services, to deepen the understanding of trade obstacles in the region, and to strengthen the sustainability and ownership of the initiative.</p><p>ITC will implement this new phase in collaboration with public and private sectors in Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia, providing support by fostering regional trade integration, reducing risks within global value chains, and addressing COVID-19 challenges.</p>

<p>The overall objective of the proposed project is to attract investment and promote trade and sustainable industrial and business development at continental level, concretely supporting the AfCFTA Secretariat and the African Union and delivering on the Africa-EU partnership for sustainable growth and jobs.&nbsp;</p><p>The project contributes to this objective by</p><ul><li>identifying trade and investment opportunities along regional value chains with potential at continental scale in Africa, including potential for investment by EU economic operators;</li><li>Strengthening the EU-Africa dialogue on trade and economic integration, informing high-level events such as the upcoming AU-EU Summit and European- African Business Forum (EABF)</li><li>identifying pilot/selected continental value chains that could be targeted for support in the EU 2021-27 aid programming exercise.</li></ul><p>It supports the implementation of the AfCFTA and ITC&apos;s One Trade Africa Initiative.</p>

<p><span lang="EN-AU">The project aims to provide tailored technical assistance and capacity building to key stakeholders and institutions in Algeria <span lang="EN-AU">to design and sucessfully implement a National Trade Strategy (NTS). NTS is expected</span> is to contribute to diversification of Algeria&rsquo;s economy reducing its vulnerability to commodity market shocks, by benefiting from trading opportunities and improved competitiveness in priority sectors.&nbsp;</span></p>