Algeria | Mauritania: The path of the bilateral partnership is strengthened by the launch of strategic projects in Tindouf
ALGERIAN ECONOMY INSIGHTSAFRICA
Algeria - The path of partnership between Algeria and Mauritania has been strengthened with new strategic projects, the launch of which was supervised today, Thursday in the border state of Tindouf, by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, accompanied by his brother, the President of the sisterly Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh Al-Ghazouani
As part of this endeavor, the two presidents supervised the inauguration of the two fixed border crossings between Algeria and Mauritania. Before the inauguration ceremony, they listened to a detailed presentation on the activity of these two crossings.
The border crossing, on its Algerian side, contains all the necessary facilities, as it is expected to achieve economic mobility between the two countries, which will raise the pace of development in the border areas.
Then, the President of the Republic, accompanied by his Mauritanian counterpart, supervised the launch of the project to complete the Tindouf-Zouérat road extending over 840 kilometers, which comes to reflect a new stage in the historical relations between the two countries.
This vital project will enable the opening of important international road axes and allow Algerian traders to access African markets, passing through Mauritania. It will also enhance economic cooperation between the economic clients of both countries and stimulate economic mobility and the smooth flow of trade exchanges.
The two countries completed the legal and administrative procedures related to initiating the completion of the road, and the executive agreement between the governments of the two countries regarding the facilities and exemptions necessary for its completion was issued in the Algerian Official Gazette in mid-February 2023.
According to a memorandum of understanding, Algeria will undertake the completion of the road through its Agency for International Cooperation for Solidarity and Development, while the Mauritanian side will provide the necessary facilities and ensure security for the construction operations.
To move forward in promoting intra-trade overland, Tebboune directed the government at the end of last December to prepare an “in-depth study” to launch the first free zone with Mauritania in Tindouf.
Algerian Prime Minister Nadhir Arbawi announced that this zone will enter into force before the end of the first half of this year. The two countries will also soon launch the first two fixed land crossings, the construction of which was sponsored by Algeria with $18 million.
President Tebboune, Mauritanian counterpart lay foundation stone for Tindouf FREE TRADE ZONE project
Unprecedented connectivity
Until the infrastructure for trade exchange by land was completed, Tebboune directed, in late 2021, the launch of a commercial sea line with Mauritania that would be traveled by ship in 6 days.
These initiatives are unprecedented in the history of Algeria and Mauritania, as they have never been linked by a paved land road, a fixed border crossing, or a direct sea line.
On September 20, 2023, Algeria opened its first bank in Africa in the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, under the name “Union Bank of Algeria,” which consists of an alliance of four Algerian government banks.
Four months after its opening, the bank is preparing to open two branches in the cities of Nouadhibou, the economic capital of Mauritania, and Zouerate (north), according to what the official Algerian News Agency quoted the bank’s general director, Mourad Alian, as saying.
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