Jordanian Minister of Agriculture Envisions a Flourishing Wheat and Cow Breeding Project in Algeria
BY: Hana Saada
Algiers, September 23, 2023 – Jordanian Minister of Agriculture, Khaled Hneifat, took center stage today at the inauguration of the Algerian-Jordanian Economic Forum, highlighting the remarkable strides Algeria has made in the realm of investment. Hneifat’s visit signifies the commitment to forging an enduring partnership geared towards enhancing food security. Concrete projects are already underway, with a focus on wheat production and cow breeding, underscoring the immense potential for fruitful cooperation between the two nations.
In his address, Minister Hneifat expressed his optimism regarding Algeria’s burgeoning investment landscape, characterizing it as a “qualitative leap.” He underscored the significance of translating these reciprocal visits into tangible investments, setting the stage for a flourishing alliance between the two nations.
Highlighting their strategic priorities, Minister Hneifat emphasized, “Our focus lies particularly in the domains of wheat production and cow breeding.” This strategic direction aligns with Jordan’s broader agenda, where the agricultural sector already contributes a substantial 27% to the national GDP. Minister Hneifat further elaborated on Jordan’s robust commitment to sustainable agriculture, reflecting the nation’s prowess in the field.
Kamel Rezzoune, a prominent economic operator representing the Jordanian delegation, echoed Minister Hneifat’s sentiments and conveyed the delegation’s eagerness to engage with Algeria’s investment opportunities. Rezzoune unveiled an ambitious proposal that could pave the way for a prosperous partnership, saying, “We are exploring the creation of a joint company aimed at initially harnessing 50,000 hectares of land for the production of wheat, corn, medicinal plants, and more.” This proposal signals Jordan’s eagerness to collaborate on Algeria’s journey toward self-sufficiency in essential agricultural commodities.
Speaking on the potential of Algeria’s animal wealth, Mr. Rezzoune stated, “Our country possesses the expertise and resources to partner with Algeria in achieving self-sufficiency.” He emphasized the importance of diverse projects, including specialized milk production farms, that could contribute significantly to Algeria’s food security initiatives.
The Algerian-Jordanian Economic Forum has thus commenced with a clear vision for a robust partnership in agriculture. Minister Hneifat’s visit and the promising proposals put forth by the Jordanian delegation mark the beginning of a transformative collaboration between Algeria and Jordan, promising economic growth, food security, and agricultural prosperity in both nations.
