Algeria: which a Chinese economic presence?

Abstract

The image of relations that plunge into the history of both countries is vivid
and the press is not stingy with statements reminding us of this: “China has
given its support to our national liberation struggle – no one has forgotten
it in Algeria – and the Chinese also remember that Algeria sponsored the
resolution that allowed the People’s Republic of China to resume its seat at
the United Nations”. Beyond these historical encounters, China is of course
this immense country of the “economic miracle” – even if recently and in
the eyes of some people this miracle could seem like a mirage. And some
observers point out that “present in Algeria for two decades, the Chinese
have ended up feeding clichés and other stereotypes” which, if they reveal a
profound ignorance of the Chinese presence – sometimes accompanied by
a rejection of otherness – do not conceal that this ignorance is not only the
fault of the population, but also that of the leaders. The following points are
successively addressed: • 790 Chinese companies, did you say? • Investment
and service provision - Chinese direct investment projects in Algeria • The
amount of Chinese investment in Algeria • Sino-Algerian trade • Three
Algerian import sectors • An opportunity, but for whom?