Algeria, Africa's second largest country, covers an area of nearly 2.5 million square kilometres and has a population of about 35 million. With a per capita GDP of about US$ 4000, it sits solidly among developing middle-income countries. Following the recent high oil and gas prices which yielded important revenues, the country reduced its external debt to less than 10% of GDP after repaying its Paris Club and London Club debt in 2006, and experienced  sustained  economic expansion over the past decade. Hydrocarbons still provide the lion’s share of domestic value-added and public revenue, but it is important to acknowledge that efforts are being made in recent years to diversify the economy by attracting foreign and domestic investment outside the energy sector.

UNIDO ITPO Italy promotes investments and technology transfer in Algeria, offering free assistance to Algerian companies seeking Italian partners and to Italian companies interested in starting-up industrial activities in Algeria.

UNIDO ITPO Italy organized a 5-day study tour (31 March – 04 April 2008) for a delegation of eight Algerian entrepreneurs and one representative of the Algerian Ministry of Industry and Investment Promotion within  the framework of a joint Cooperation and Technical Assistance Program of UNIDO HQ and the Ministry of Industry and Investment Promotion. The study tour aimed at facilitating business cooperation between Italian and Algerian companies in agro-food products such as  pasta, semolina, flour, biscuits, soft drinks, and fruit juices.