The Confédération Algérienne du Patronat (CAP) is one of the oldest and most representative trade unions in the Algerian business sector, whose contribution to the country’s economic development since its foundation in 1990 is undoubted. This institution helps companies establish business contacts with other companies in Algeria and abroad, to participate in B2B meetings, trade fairs and seminars to explore business opportunities and learn about new market trends, and to train in the new skills needed to improve the competitiveness of companies. In addition, the CAP plays a crucial role in attracting foreign investment and fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem as well as the transfer of knowledge and innovation to companies. We talked about all this in the following interview with Mr. Bouzid Tahar, National President of the CAP.
Which economic sectors does the confederation represent and what is its main mission?
The Confédération Algérienne du Patronat (CAP) is a socio-professional trade union approved by the state of Algeria in January 1990. All the economic sectors are represented. Our professional members are any natural or legal persona with a trade register or approval, as well as professional associations whose statutes and regulations apply to them, start-ups, liberal professionals and craftsmen. The CAP’s main mission is to defend its member’s interests. In this sense, our institution responds to all the needs and queries they have, such as representing them in dealings with public authorities, increasing their vision, efficiency and performance at a national and international level, providing them economic and technical information, preparing and facilitating meetings with other national and international players to explore new business opportunities and to debate on current challenges.
How has the confederation contributed to the economic development of Algeria and the prosperity of the country’s businesses?
From its foundation, the CAP has actively contributed to the country’s economic development through its ongoing approach to critical debates, B2B meetings, presentation of sectorial and financial studies, forums and fairs where Algerian companies can participate and do networking, and training seminars to learn about trends and investment opportunities in any sector. Every event we organize or participate in is a unique opportunity to do business, establish contacts and explore new avenues for economic development. Thanks to these events, companies in our country have the chance to meet business leaders from different regions (Maghreb, Europe, Asia and Africa) and to close significant trade agreements. The main aim is to put our companies on the same level as foreign companies, by giving them access to the latest innovations.
What are the main concerns expressed to you by Algerian CEOs and professionals?
The main concerns of our operators are, first and foremost, the slowness in processing and studying all kinds of applications (approvals, granting of concessions, import authorisations, granting of credit, etc.). The solutions proposed remain subject to the appreciation of the Public Authorities. That’s why the seminars and training courses we organize focus on all these issues, in particular tax and quasi-tax benefits, financing methods for investment projects in all sectors of activity, and streamlining procedures for their implementation.
From its foundation, the CAP has actively contributed to the country’s economic development through its ongoing approach to critical debates, B2B meetings, presentation of sectorial and financial studies, seminars, forums and fairs where Algerian companies can participate and do networking
What are the current business and investment opportunities in Algeria?
There are many business opportunities in Algeria today. The new FDI law and the creation of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI) have considerably improved the country’s business climate. Although hydrocarbons remain the backbone of the Algerian economy, accounting for over 90% of exports, business opportunities exist in many other sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, housing, clean energy and pharmaceuticals. In addition, Algeria has become a promising country for business start-ups. In an effort to stimulate its economy, Algeria is creating a culture of start-ups and micro-enterprises. More and more entrepreneurs are seizing this opportunity and setting up their own businesses. The country has even created a start-up ministry. So, without a doubt, this is the best time to invest in Algeria. What’s more, several incubators in all sectors are expanding rapidly to develop a rapidly evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem. We hope that today’s start-ups will become tomorrow’s economic champions. We hope they will enable Algeria to position itself as a key hub for new technologies in Africa. The new Investment Code in my country, through its provisions, frees up the act of investment.
What partnerships have you achieved with other institutions and organisations? In what sense is cooperation key to progress towards a more prosperous and sustainable Mediterranean?
As regards strengthening trade links for the benefit of our business leaders, we have a number of memorandums of understanding and agreements with foreign partners, such as the French Chambers of Commerce, the Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber of Commerce in Milan, and the Egyptian and Jordanian businessmen’s councils, to name but a few. In a globalised world, cooperation between countries in the Mediterranean basin is more than necessary. We are in favor of inter-regional cooperation to advance towards the Mediterranean economic development and to joint forces to face common challenges and transform them into great business opportunities for all the countries of the Mediterranean Basin.
What is the Confederation’s commitment to two of the main challenges facing the Mediterranean: sustainable transition and digitalization?
Regarding the energy transition, Algeria is doing its utmost to achieve total carbon reduction by 2030. The ministerial department in charge of this issue is sparing no effort to achieve this objective. When it comes to digitisation, Algeria is not to be outdone. Symposia, seminars and meetings are being organised to develop this vital sector. Workshops are being organised on topics such as the digital economy, digital sovereignty, digital regulatory bodies, etc., and a Ministerial Department for Digitalisation has been set up.
What does it mean for your Confederation to be an associate member of ASCAME? What are the main benefits of this relationship?
For CAP, being an associate member of ASCAME means forging indispensable regional business links. An opportunity to consolidate and perpetuate economic and social relations between Mediterranean countries. The proximity and similarities between Mediterranean peoples, gastronomic culture, customs and traditions are all beneficial factors for long-term relations. We appeal to all economic players in the countries of the Mediterranean Basin to redouble their efforts to achieve common goals.