Algerian Minister of Industry, Mr. Saifi Ghrieb, stated during his participation in the inauguration of a new sugar refining and manufacturing complex in Boumerdes, east of the Algerian capital, that the automotive sector is progressing quietly according to steady and well-studied scientific steps, and that he personally oversees the automotive sector in Algeria.
The minister’s statement came after a question about the automobile crisis that has plagued Algeria for years. The minister stated that Algerian citizens will soon have access to new cars, both in quantity and quality, at reasonable prices, and that they will have a level of integration that will delight Algerians. The minister added that he feels the suffering of the citizen while he personally works to resolve this issue.
Algerian Minister of Industry, Mr. Saifi Ghrieb, spoke about the upcoming meeting to approve the integration schedule (the percentage of local manufacturing) with spare parts producers, brand representatives, and investors. The minister stated that this meeting is taking place for the first time in Algeria’s history, and that we will not repeat the car assembly experience that occurred during the era of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
The Minister of Industry’s statement caused a stir on social media, where it was widely circulated and widely shared, causing a sense of shock. Talk began about the imminent resolution of Algeria’s car crisis, a fact evident in today’s car markets.
The Minister’s statement does not mean that the car crisis in Algeria has been resolved, nor will it lead to a decline in used car prices. However, it will exacerbate the stagnation in the Algerian car market, which is experiencing a sharp decline in sales, and the majority of Algerians are waiting for car factories to enter service before purchasing new cars. The Minister’s statement certainly gave hope to a large segment of citizens that relief is imminent.
The Algerian Minister of Industry did not specify a timeframe for the availability of the new cars, but he emphasized the need for patience and that Algerians will be very happy. This response will be sufficient to satisfy a large segment of Algerians who have great confidence in the government’s decisions.
But despite the minister’s assurances, these are not the first promises he has made. Previous industry ministers had promised to provide new cars but failed to deliver. Time will tell whether the words of Minister Seifi Gharib are true or just talk for consumption.
