ALGIERS: Japan wants to support Algeria’s economic development while capitalizing on the North African country’s energy resources, Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara said Monday ahead of a landmark visit.
"Japan is interested in the fact that Algeria possesses major energy resources and has a large internal market (…) and wishes to contribute to the economic development of Algeria," Maehara told daily Liberte.
The trip will be the first visit by a Japanese foreign minister to Algeria since its independence from France in 1962. Maehara was in neighboring Tunisia at the weekend.
"There are Japanese companies which are interested in the (Algerian) five-year plan" for 2009-2014, which provides for public investments of 286 billion dollars, notably to modernize and develop essential infrastructure, Maehara said.
"Algeria today needs technology transfer more than finance," he added.
Japan is already participating in several projects in Algeria, including part of an east-west highway 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) long, which was entrusted in 2006 to the Chinese Citic-CRCC group and the Japanese Cojaal group. Japan has also invested in Algeria’s energy sector.
During his visit, Maehara is due to have talks with Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci, and they are expected to sign deals on tax and investment.
Medelci said the visit would allow the two countries to improve relations in the fields of technology, energy, water and education, APS news agency reported.
"We have agreed to continuously improve the legal framework to all Japanese companies to operate in conditions which are better than ever," Medelci said.
A meeting is also scheduled with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika or with Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, according to the Japanese embassy in Algiers.
