ALGIERS – Algerian President, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Minister of National Defense, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, chaired on Sunday a Cabinet meeting that covered a draft law on insurance, proposals for partnerships between Algeria and the European Union, and the progress of grain storage silo projects, the Algerian presidency said in a statement.
After the Prime Minister presented the government’s activities over the last two weeks, and following discussions with ministers on the draft laws and proposals, President Tebboune issued the following directives:
On University Grants:
– The President ordered the formation of a committee comprising the Minister of Higher Education, the Minister of Youth responsible for the Higher Council for Youth, and the Minister of Finance, tasked with submitting a report at the next Cabinet meeting on increasing university student grants.
– He also instructed that the comprehensive reform plan for university services include a review of both the student grant system and student accommodation.
On Union Rights Law:
– The President emphasised the need to respect union rights and related training.
– He stressed that the law must ensure full transparency in union activities and provide for true representation.
On Hajj Season Preparations:
– The President ordered that the state absorb the planned increases in Hajj costs, maintaining the cost level from the previous season.
On Algeria-EU Partnership:
– President Tebboune confirmed that the review of the Algeria-EU agreement is driven by practical economic considerations. While Algeria’s exports were initially dominated by hydrocarbons when the agreement was signed in 2005, today the country’s exports have diversified significantly, especially in agriculture, minerals, cement, and food products.
– He clarified that the review of the agreement is not due to any dispute but is intended to strengthen Algeria-EU relations as economic partners based on a win-win principle.
– The President also reminded that Algeria has not restricted imports, except where local production sufficiently meets national demand.
– He issued firm instructions for the government to counter any attempts to tarnish Algeria’s image among global brands, by facilitating and encouraging investment, especially from young people, in marketing global brands that are popular in large shopping malls attracting a significant portion of Algeria’s youth.
– The goal is to regulate and rationalise imports by sectors and curb repeated attempts to manipulate the prices of imported products, such as spare parts, which are still open for import without any restrictions.
On the Draft Insurance Law:
– President Tebboune directed that the draft insurance law be revised to align with Algeria’s financial sovereignty.
– He encouraged stakeholders in the sector to invest and establish private Algerian banks, aiming to stimulate greater dynamism in the national economy.
On Grain Storage Silos:
– The President praised the progress of silo construction in preparation for the upcoming harvest season, noting that storage capacity will reach five million tons for the first time.
– He instructed the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to accelerate the completion of remaining silo projects to enhance storage capacity as part of Algeria’s national food security strategy.
– He also ordered the expansion of silo construction to municipalities known for regular and abundant grain production.
The Cabinet meeting concluded with the approval of individual decisions regarding appointments and dismissals of high-ranking state officials.
