Chinese dealers show interest in Algeria's automotive market

ALGIERS - Chinese exhibitors have shown great interest in Algeria's automotive market in the 12th international fair of automotive equipment and aftermarket services held in Algeria, said the event organizer Nabil Bey Boumezrag Monday.

There were 100 Chinese exhibitors attending the fair, representing the largest and more than a third of the total number of exhibitors, Boumerzrag told Xinhua.

"This proves the interest of the Chinese companies in this promising segment of automotive industry in Algeria," said Boumezrag.

The Chinese companies at the exhibition covered specialties in bodywork, tires, batteries, braking systems and electrical harnesses.

Emma Jiang, representative of the Chinese tire brand Best Choice, told Xinhua that the Algerian tire market is very promising. "Within five years, we have gained market share with our Algerian partners, especially in the tire component truck."

Chinese companies have also expressed their desire to set up partnership ventures with Algerian operators to start manufacturing, given that the Algerian government wants to develop the automobile industry to curb dependence on oil revenues.

The international fair, known as Equip Auto Algeria, has been organized annually since 2006, in the Pins Maritimes Exhibition Centre in eastern Algiers.

This year, the event brings together more than 300 exhibitors including 73 percent from some 20 countries, while 15 percent are Algerian and 12 percent are foreign manufacturers established in Algeria, according to Boumezrag.