EVENT SYNOPSIS
On 21st January we welcomed a full room of delegates for the UK-Algeria Business Briefing in the margins of the UK Africa Investment Summit.
The event was opened by HE Abderrahmane Benguerrah, Algerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom and HME Barry Lowen, British Ambassador to Algeria who announced 2020 as a historic year in both countries for stability and development.
Lord Risby, British Prime Minister’s Envoy for Algeria and Agli Sami, President of FCE, emphasised the importance of mobilising the private sector and the government’s role in supporting sustainable economic growth. Lady Olga Maitland, ABBC, closed the opening session highlighting how the UK and Algeria have a strong win-win partnership.
HE Ferhat Ait Ali, Minister of Industry and Mines, delivered the keynote speech revealing Algeria as the gateway to Africa.
Session 1 explored Algeria’s exciting investment potential due to new institutional frameworks and tax allowances that create a competitive and attractive business climate. Discussions with Chief Executives of Sonatrach and Sonelgaz highlighted the countries’ ambition to create innovative solutions to overcome hydrocarbon dependency.
In Session 2 examined Nancer Mohellegi, Director General for Investment, Ministry of Industry and Mines emphasised the importance of access to industry finance. This was followed by Yassine Bouhara, Chairman, Tell Group who explained why Algeria should be a popular destination for the private sector; its connectivity, rapid growth and renewed institutional support.
We are grateful for the support of our sponsors: Petrofac, 123PayEasy, Powertraveller, BP, Tell Group and Oxford Business Group.
PROGRAMME
9:00-9:30 - Registration and Welcome Refreshments
9:30-10:00 - Opening Remarks
HE Abderrahmane Benguerrah, Algerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom
HME Barry Lowen, British Ambassador to Algeria
Lord Risby, British Prime Minister’s Envoy for Algeria
Agli Sami, President, FCE
Lady Olga Maitland, ABBC
10:00 – 10:15 – Keynote Speech
HE Ferhat Ait Ali, Minister of Industry and Mines, Government of Algeria
10:15 – 10:20 – A Series of Algerian Engagements
Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA
10:15-11:15 - Session 1: Economic Overview
Chair: Adil Kurt-Elli, Ex-Head of Emerging Markets, HSBC
Kamel-Eddine Belatreche, Secretary General, Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy
Kamel Eddine Chikhi, Chief Executive, Sonatrach
Chaher Boulakhras, Chief Executive, Sonelgaz
11:15-12:15 - Session 2: Investment-Ready Projects
Chair: Adil Kurt-Elli, Ex-Head of Emerging Markets, HSBC
Nancer Mohellegi, Director General for Investment, Ministry of Industry and Mine
Sihem Medani, Director, Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy
Yassine Bouhara, Chairman, Tell Group
12:15-12:30 - Closing Remarks
Lord Risby, British Prime Minister’s Partnership Envoy for Algeria
HE Abderrahmane Benguerrah, Algerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom
12:30 - 13:30 - Networking Lunch
