Acquisition of fuel transfer equipment

The Minister of Industry, Mr. Saïfi Ghrieb, yesterday paid an inspection visit to the Djelfa cement plant project site, whose production capacity is estimated at 3 million tonnes per year. The project, estimated to cost 50 billion dinars, is one of several industrial projects confiscated and given special attention by the President of the Republic, as part of the national strategy to boost economic activity and exploit unused assets.

During his visit, the Minister listened to a detailed presentation of the project by the company's managers, covering its technical and financial status, remaining obstacles, and the contribution of the Chinese partner in the construction phases.

Following the inspection, a coordination meeting was held at the wilaya headquarters, chaired by the Minister and the Wali, in the presence of the various parties involved, including representatives of the Chinese partner.

Many operational decisions were made, including the specialist expert assignment to assess the project's current assets, determine the technical and financial requirements, and draw up a precise roadmap to finalize its completion.

These decisions come just one week after the joint ministerial committee decision to award 51% of the assets of the Djelfa cement plant project to the Gica group and 49% to the Chinese partner CSCEC (China State Construction Engineering Corporation), to finalize the project and ensure its commissioning as soon as possible.

A strategic project for the national economy

Located on a 100-hectare site in Aïn El Ibel (south of Djelfa), once operational, this cement complex will generate 350 direct jobs and over 700 indirect jobs, strengthening the national supply chain thanks to its advantageous location. Initially launched in 2008, the project was put on hold due to corruption-related court cases involving the former private partner.

Today, the State takes back the reins as part of its policy to revive recovered assets. This revival is based on a balanced partnership model between the state-owned Gica group (Groupe industriel des ciments d'Algérie), and the Chinese company CSCEC, within the framework of a shareholding structure designed to guarantee a transfer of skills and rapid commissioning, in line with the commitments made at the Council of Ministers meeting last February, when the Head of State stressed the need to "revive this infrastructure without delay".

The State mobilizes to rehabilitate recovered assets

The Djelfa cement plant illustrates the determination of the Ministry of Industry to rehabilitate and exploit industrial assets recovered by the State. During his visit to the wilaya of M'Sila, the Minister for Industry had stressed the need for the effective start-up of all recovered industrial units, which has now become a priority as part of the State's strategy to strengthen industrial sovereignty.

He also stressed the importance of providing these units with technical and administrative support, so that they can be brought back into service as quickly as possible, effectively strengthening the national economy.

This approach is part of a national strategy to strengthen the country's production base. It rests on two pillars: the reactivation of recovered industrial assets and their technical and administrative support to ensure a rapid return to activity.

In addition to contributing to employment, these projects play a fundamental role in expanding the national production base and consolidating Algeria's position as a key player in regional industry.