Algeria is partnering with China to construct 6000km of rail lines, a move which president Abdelmadjid Tebboune says will help spur economic development across the country.
Priority will be given to the implementation of the 280-kilometre-long project to transport phosphate to Annaba port and the more than 800-kilometre-long iron ore transport line to link the Gara Djebilet mine with Bechar.
“Strengthening the railway sector is the best guarantee for development and our Chinese friends have agreed to this project, which will cover about 6,000 kilometers,” said Mr. Tebboune.
He said that China is fit to develop the project due to the country’s proven track record in constructing mega railway line lines both in Africa and abroad.
The ambitious railway project is part of the two countries’ broader cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the massive China-proposed project to boost global trade and commerce by improving infrastructure and connectivity.
An algerian MP was quoted as saying that the partnership between China and Algeria is a win-win.
“China views Algeria as a gateway to Africa. It’s a win-win partnership for both sides. This is the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative and Algeria’s development plan. Algeria views China as a trusted partner,” said Said Hamsi, an Algerian MP, in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Saturday.
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