Minister Ali Aoun Strongly Advocates for Urgent Progress in Industrial Zone Development

BY: Hana Saada

MILA, August 27, 2023 – The Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, Ali Aoun, has once again criticized the sluggish pace of industrial zone development and infrastructure connection, directing his ire towards administrative delays that are impeding the country’s economic growth. During an official working and inspection visit to the wilaya of Mila, Aoun expressed his deep concern over the lack of progress in constructing industrial and activity zones and connecting them to vital networks such as electricity, water, and gas.

The Minister’s unambiguous message underscores the importance of swift action in realizing industrial zones, which are crucial to the advancement of local industries and the revitalization of the national economy. In line with the vision put forth by the President of the Republic, Aoun stressed the need for immediate action to address the challenges that have hindered these crucial projects.

The government’s push to foster local industry and stimulate economic growth has led to the reinvigoration of industrial zone construction across the country. However, the pace of progress has fallen short of expectations. Minister Ali Aoun’s recent interactions with local officials on the ground have underscored this concern, as he continues to emphasize the urgency of completing construction on these industrial zones, allowing businesses to commence operations.

“How long are we going to wait?” Ali Aoun’s pointed question resonated through the air during his recent visit. He had previously summoned the leaders of Sonelgaz in Boumerdès to streamline procedures for connecting production units within the Larbaâtache industrial zone to the electricity network. Aoun set a definitive deadline of September 15 for this crucial task, emphasizing the necessity of timely action.

Returning to the issue at hand during his visit to the Mila Industrial Estate, Minister Aoun highlighted the unacceptable delay in completing parts of the industrial zone, which has left investors waiting for the necessary building permits to initiate their projects. His rhetorical question, “How long are we going to wait?” serves as a powerful indictment of the inertia that has hindered these vital projects. Aoun’s message to the administrative officials was unambiguous: “The administration must not stall these projects; it’s imperative that we move forward.”

Acknowledging that 53 operators have received their building permits but are yet to commence construction (according to Mila’s town planning director), Aoun struck a balanced tone. He reminded officials that regulations must be upheld while ensuring that aspiring entrepreneurs are not unduly penalized. Aoun stated, “It’s our responsibility to manage this situation efficiently without adding further delays.”

In 2019, Algeria announced an ambitious plan to construct 41 new industrial zones spanning 34 wilayas. In March 2022, the Prime Minister issued a directive to alleviate constraints hampering the development of these industrial zones. Minister Ali Aoun’s recent interventions reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to realizing these crucial projects, propelling Algeria’s economy toward growth and prosperity.

As the nation looks forward to a more robust industrial landscape, Minister Aoun’s impassioned plea serves as a rallying cry for change, a call to action against the slowness that threatens to stifle progress. The administration is now under heightened scrutiny, with the weight of expectations resting squarely on their shoulders. It remains to be seen how swiftly they will respond to this clarion call for accelerated development.