ISLAMABAD: Though Pakistan enjoys a trade surplus with Algeria, more steps need to be taken to improve on it further by turning the cordial relations between the two countries into close trade ties.
Talking to WealthPK, Qazafi Rind, Trade and Investment Councillor of Pakistan to Algeria, said that trade potential and opportunities between Pakistan and Algeria were highlighted during a webinar organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). He said the brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Algeria needs to be transformed into economic ties for benefit of the people of both countries.
“Algeria is an untapped market worth $1.2 billion for Pakistani exporters, which needs to be explored to boost bilateral trade,” he stressed.
He added that textile products, ready-made garments, surgical instruments, football, rice, pink salt, rose water, and hair oil are in high demand in Algeria. According to him, Pakistani exporters should explore Algerian markets. Last year, $5 million worth of rice was exported to Algeria, he said, adding that Algeria is famous for producing dates, so Pakistan could import dates from the country as well as other products, such as double-door refrigerators, and LCD televisions, which are in high demand in Pakistan.
Qazafi Rind said Algeria imported low-tariff food and agricultural products because its government provided subsidies on these items.
He said the tariff for surgical goods ranged from 5% to 6%, for dental products 30%, and for footballs 15% to 16%. According to him, the Algerian government accepted only those products that possessed certification of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), and the Algerian people wanted each ingredient listed in Arabic and French. “Our labour force should be trained in accordance with ISO standards. This will enable us to meet international standards and explore new markets.”
He said currently Pakistan was experiencing trade surplus with Algeria. –INP
