Algeria seeks to conclude 20 bilateral agreements

Algeria seeks to conclude at least 20 bilateral agreements as part of the World Trade Organization (WTO) accession process, four of which are expected before the end of 2013, Trade Minister Mustapha Benbada said Sunday. Benbada, speaking on the sidelines of the opening of a training session for executives from Arab countries candidates for accession to the WTO, said Algeria had concluded so far five agreements, and four others were under study, as part of its accession to the WTO. Five bilateral agreements with Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Venezuela and Cuba were signed by Algeria in the negotiations for its accession to the World Trade Organization, the ministry of Trade announced, adding that three other agreements with Australia, Switzerland and New Zealand were ready for signing. The agreements are "of great importance as they provide support to the technical and political aspects," and contribute to the advancement of multilateral negotiations, the minister said. Negotiations with key partners, including the European Union (EU) and the United States, were under way, he added.