BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a move aimed at guaranteeing a stable supply of widely consumed goods, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune presided over the council of ministers for the social back-to-school initiative and unveiled a series of measures. This latter, outlined in a press release from the council of ministers, are set to have a profound impact on the availability and accessibility of key consumer products in Algeria.
Cleaning up the Agricultural Sector
One of the most pivotal directives from President Tebboune was ordering the Minister of Agriculture to implement stringent dissuasive measures to revamp the agricultural sector. These measures are expected to enhance productivity, quality, and sustainability within the industry, thus bolstering the availability of domestically grown produce.
Subsidizing Essential Imports
In a bid to maintain affordability for essential items, President Tebboune announced the continuation of subsidies on a select range of imported basic products. Simultaneously, he imposed a ban on all imports of legumes except through the National Professional Cereals Office, introducing transparency and predictability in the pricing of these crucial commodities.
Exclusive Importation of Fresh Meat
To address the nation’s demand for fresh red and white meat while ensuring competitive pricing, President Tebboune authorized the exclusive importation of these products. This strategic decision is expected to alleviate any potential shortages and price fluctuations.
Encouraging Private Investment in Cold Storage
Recognizing the importance of cold storage facilities in maintaining year-round market stability, President Tebboune instructed the government to promote private investments in this sector. These investments will ensure that perishable goods remain readily available and help curb seasonal price fluctuations.
Protecting Agricultural Producers
To safeguard the interests of local farmers, President Tebboune directed the government to purchase agricultural products directly from producers. This initiative will prevent spoilage and contribute to the creation of a National Agricultural Products Board, with cold storage facilities for stock preservation.
Transparency and Communication
To eliminate uncertainty and speculation in the market, President Tebboune prioritized the preservation of a strategic national stock of agricultural and food products. He also emphasized the need for a clear and consistent communication policy to keep citizens informed about the availability of essential goods, thus quashing rumors of shortages.
Regulating Stocks and Production Chain
In a bid to curb stockpiling for speculative purposes, President Tebboune called on regional governors (walis) to play a crucial role in distinguishing between stocks within the production chain and those held for speculative purposes. This move is set to ensure a fair and transparent market.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Recognizing the importance of accurate data, President Tebboune mandated the creation of laboratories to provide precise and regularly updated statistics on daily consumption patterns. This data will enable the government to make informed decisions regarding production and distribution.
In summary, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s new measures represent a comprehensive strategy to ensure the availability and affordability of consumer products in Algeria. These initiatives, ranging from agricultural sector reform to transparent communication and data-driven decision-making, reflect the government’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens and the stability of the national market.
