On Thursday, September 3, 2020, Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad presided over a government meeting via videoconference. The meeting focused on examining two draft executive decrees related to the agriculture and rural development sector, as well as the fishing and halieutic production sector. The government also heard presentations on four communications related to the culture, transportation, interior, and health sectors.
The first draft executive decree discussed during the meeting aimed to modify and complement the 1996 decree establishing rules applicable to agricultural cooperatives. The proposed changes seek to simplify the procedures for creating agricultural cooperatives by reducing the required documents, transferring the reception and processing of dossiers to local authorities, and setting deadlines for their settlement. This decree also aims to open up cooperation to all agricultural sectors and facilitate new forms of organization and mutualization of cooperative activities.
The second draft executive decree examined during the meeting concerned the preservation and sustainable exploitation of halieutic resources. The proposed changes aim to revise the minimum market size of certain species to protect them and promote sustainable management of halieutic resources. The government endorsed both draft executive decrees. The meeting also featured a presentation by the Minister of Culture and Arts on the new strategy for protecting and valorizing cultural heritage.
The Minister of Culture and Arts highlighted Algeria's rich cultural potential, including 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 1,043 protected assets, 800 archaeological sites, 5 cultural parks, 22 safeguarded sectors, and 64 classified natural and cultural sites. The ministry is working to develop a new strategy to promote, valorize, and better protect this cultural heritage. The government also heard a presentation on the development strategy for the air transport sector.
The air transport strategy encompasses various aspects, including airport management, domestic and international air transport development, the creation of the Algiers Hub, air freight development, fleet sizing, and financing modalities. Additionally, the government discussed four projects to connect several communes in the Medea province to the natural gas network. These projects aim to address the concerns of populations living in underdeveloped areas.
The government also examined a project to build a 700-bed hospital-university center in Staoueli, Algiers. This health pole is expected to strengthen healthcare structures in the Algiers province, reduce congestion, and provide high-level healthcare services in various specialties. The project also includes a medical training mission in modern pedagogical conditions.
The meeting demonstrated the Algerian government's commitment to addressing various development challenges and promoting economic and social growth. The discussed projects and strategies aim to improve the living conditions of citizens, protect cultural heritage, and develop key sectors such as agriculture, transportation, and healthcare.
Key points
- The Algerian government approved two draft executive decrees related to agricultural cooperatives and halieutic resources.
- The government is working to develop a new strategy for protecting and valorizing cultural heritage.
- A new 700-bed hospital-university center is planned for Staoueli, Algiers, to strengthen healthcare services.
