BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Sonatrach CEO Toufik Hakkar visited China from May 15 to 18 to discuss the development of the integrated phosphate project of Bled El Hadba in the wilaya of Tebessa.
Hakkar was accompanied by a delegation of executives from Sonatrach, Asmidal, and Manal. The visit was part of the development of the Integrated Phosphate Project (PPI), which is supervised by the Algerian-Chinese company, Algerian Chinese Fertilizers Company (ACFC).
The project involves the exploitation of the phosphate deposit of Bled El Hadba in the region of Djebel Onk, in Tébessa, and the chemical transformation of phosphates and the manufacture of nitrogenous fertilizers and chemical products in Oued Keberit, in Souk Ahras.
During the visit, meetings were held with officials from the China National Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (CNCEC) to discuss the development of the PPI and prospects for cooperation in the fields related to research, development, and production of green ammonia, as well as the recovery of waste industrial products resulting from the transformation of fertilizers. The two parties also discussed means of financing the project and scheduled meetings with a group of banks interested in financing the project and investing in it.
According to a recent press release, two parties have come together to discuss the development of the PPI and potential cooperation in fields related to research, development, and production of green ammonia, as well as the recovery of industrial waste resulting from fertilizer transformation.
In addition to these discussions, the parties also explored means of financing this strategic project. Meetings have been scheduled with banks and investment and export loan insurance companies that have expressed interest in contributing to the realization of the project.
During the visit, Mr. Hakkar met with companies that have established partnerships and cooperation with Sonatrach, including China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and its subsidiaries HQC, KunLun Digital, Huawei, and PowerChina. These meetings focused on joint investment and cooperation opportunities in hydrocarbons, new and renewable energies, the digital transition, and new technologies used in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons.
