Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, affirmed on Sunday in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), during the opening ceremony of the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), that cooperation between Algeria and the organization is gaining strong momentum.
He expressed Algeria’s aspiration to expand this cooperation into new areas, particularly renewable energy, and industrial innovation and value chains, according to a statement from the ministry.
The statement added that Arkab led a high-level Algerian delegation comprising representatives from the energy, mining and industry sectors, Algeria’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to UNIDO, Larbi Latroch, Algeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Cherif Walid, the Chairman of the National Agency for Mining Activities, Mourad Hanifi, and senior officials from various national bodies.
This high-level representation reflects Algeria’s firm commitment to strengthening its industrial and international presence and to positioning itself as a key partner in global industrial and energy affairs.
The event is being held as a “Global Industry Summit”, with the participation of ministers, senior officials and leaders of international industrial organizations, from 23 to 27 November.
In his address during the general debate, Arkab highlighted that cooperation between Algeria and UNIDO covers several projects in the fields of green and circular economy, industrial digital transformation, technology transfer, strengthening the innovation ecosystem, supporting start-ups and micro-enterprises, and developing industrial and technical capacities.
In this regard, Algeria reiterated its desire to foster cooperation with UNIDO in the areas of new and renewable energy, industrial innovation, value chains and improving the investment climate.
Arkab stressed the importance of aligning UNIDO’s programs with Africa’s priorities, particularly in renewable energy, digital transformation, circular economy, skills development and technology transfer.
He recalled the success of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), recently hosted by Algeria with active UNIDO participation.
Arkab also highlighted the historic initiative of President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, which allocates one billion dollars to support development projects in neighboring African countries, as well as Algeria’s readiness to host the 4th edition of the African Start-ups Forum in support of entrepreneurship and youth innovation.
Algeria’s Economic Reforms
The Minister of State underlined the far-reaching economic reforms being implemented in Algeria under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aimed at diversifying the national economy, developing manufacturing industries, promoting the green and circular economy, accelerating digitalization and industrial innovation, developing human capital, and encouraging investment in start-ups and technology transfer.
He noted that Algeria enjoys considerable potential in renewable energy thanks to its geographical location and high solar irradiation, making it an ideal platform for developing a clean energy and green hydrogen economy.
In this context, he reviewed major ongoing energy and infrastructure projects, including the “SoutH2 Corridor” for transporting green hydrogen to Europe, the “MEDLINK” electricity interconnection project between Algeria and Italy, as well as programs to expand renewable energy production and develop green hydrogen and ammonia.
Toward Enhanced Algeria–UNIDO Cooperation
Regarding the conference itself, Arkab congratulated the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, on assuming the presidency of the session and affirmed Algeria’s full support for its agenda.
He praised the excellent organization and warm hospitality extended by the Kingdom to participants. He also conveyed greetings to the outgoing chair, Ambassador Debora Lepre, and to UNIDO Director-General Gerd Müller, in recognition of their efforts.
Arkab reaffirmed Algeria’s support for the statements delivered by the G77 and China, the African Group and the Arab Group, emphasizing UNIDO’s pivotal role in supporting industrial development, innovation and capacity-building, as well as helping countries address economic and technological challenges.
He expressed Algeria’s satisfaction with the progress of the organization’s programs, underlining the importance of its financial stability and the need for member states to honor their contributions.
Arkab welcomed UNIDO’s proposal to host the secretariat of the “SoutH2 Corridor” project, given its strategic importance for the energy transition and the development of South–North partnerships.
Strengthening Efforts for Gaza Reconstruction
In conclusion, Arkab urged the organization to step up efforts to launch urgent programs for the reconstruction of Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where vital infrastructure has suffered extensive damage.
He stressed that support for the Palestinian people remains a constant principle of Algeria’s foreign policy.
