Algeria and China have joined forces and agreed to build 6,000-kilometer railway lines across Algeria. The Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune lauded the collaboration between both countries as essential to the socioeconomic development of his country.
Earlier this month, the president stated in an interview with members of the national media that improving the railway industry is the “best guarantee of development”, emphasizing that “our Chinese friends have agreed to this project, which will cover a distance of around 6,000km. The project aims to make mining easier, encourage trade, and boost Algeria’s economy.
Part of the two nation’s more extensive cooperation is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a major initiative that China has planned to boost international trade and commerce by improving connectivity and infrastructure.
According to a member of the Algerian parliament, the project will link all of the country’s cities and regions and be supported by Chinese engineering and construction expertise. Additionally, it would pave the path for the economic advancement of other African countries.
Algeria is regarded by China as the gateway to Africa. There are advantages to the partnership for both parties. This serves as the foundation for both the Belt and Road Initiative and Algeria’s growth strategy. According to MP Said Hamsi, who talked to China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Saturday, Algeria views China as a trustworthy ally.
Algerian economist, Karim Allam said the massive railway project will have a significant impact on the nation’s economic development and employment opportunities.
“The President of Algeria reiterated his intention to entrust this large project to the Chinese partners, who are skilled and experienced in this field. China is the world’s second-largest economic force. The construction of 6,000 kilometers of railway will result in enormous economic growth in Algeria, he asserted.
Riyadh, an Algerian student, expressed his optimism about the initiative, which will give him a wealth of opportunities.
“All Algerians would benefit greatly from this railway project between Algeria and the People’s Republic of China. Everyone’s lives will get simpler as a result,” repeated Abdel Kader, another Algerian.
President Tebboune made the announcement on his state visit to China last month. During his visit, the two countries signed more than a dozen cooperation agreements in a variety of sectors, including aerospace, agriculture, energy, rail transportation, research, and technology.