{"id":1894,"date":"2018-05-16T10:00:16","date_gmt":"2018-05-16T10:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bleachglobal.com\/blog\/?p=1894"},"modified":"2018-06-25T10:36:18","modified_gmt":"2018-06-25T10:36:18","slug":"algeria-a-land-of-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bleachglobal.com\/blog\/en\/tips-en\/algeria-a-land-of-opportunities\/","title":{"rendered":"Algeria, a land of opportunities"},"content":{"rendered":"

Algeria is part of the Maghreb, is the second-largest country in North Africa, the largest in surface.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This is the largest nation in size in the Arab world and most of the country is covered by desert.
\nSituated on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, Algeria gained independence from France in 1962 after an eight-year war.<\/h3>\n

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KNOW MORE ABOUT ALGERIA<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Recent Algerian history has been marked by civil wars. Nowadays, Algeria is gradually restoring order, presenting itself as an interesting, although difficult market.<\/p>\n

The country is stable, with a young population (it\u2019s estimated that 70% of the population is less than 30 years old). Algeria has no external debt and is estimated to have UD$ 185 billion in reserves. Economic growth is on average between 3 and 4%.<\/p>\n

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Over the last three decades, we\u2019ve witnessed the deindustrialization of the Algerian market. In 2015 alone, manufacturing, excluding hydrocarbons, accounted for 5% of GDP and the predominant private sectors focused in the areas of leather and footwear, textiles, agro-food, chemicals, rubber and plastics and construction materials.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In a long-term, Algeria’s major economic challenges include the diversification of the economy, which is currently dependent on hydrocarbons exports, the strengthening of the private sector and foreign investment, and the improvement of the labour market for young Algerians.<\/p>\n

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Algiers, the capital of Algeria, is located on the southern coast of the Mediterranean and has about 3 million inhabitants. Much more than a capital, Algiers is the country\u2019s political and cultural centre.<\/h3>\n

Here you will find a unique blend of parks, whitewashed French buildings, narrow streets of Kasbah (fortified spaces of Berber origin) and the Bay of Algiers.<\/p>\n

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FOLLOW THE BUSINESS CULTURE<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"– In Algeria, customization and personal contact are imperative. To do business with this market, it is necessary to visit the country and to fully understand how the Algerian business culture works.<\/p>\n

– Like other predominantly Muslim countries, the weekend in Algeria is on Friday and Saturday. Avoid scheduling appointments that interfere with religious dates. Meetings must be scheduled in advance and confirmed two days in advance.<\/p>\n

– Be punctual, even if it means waiting for your Algerian business partner. Meetings can be interrupted by external elements, which can lead to temporary distractions, but the meeting is resumed when the person leaves.<\/p>\n

– To use business cards, we suggest that you translate them into French and\/or Arabic. Always use your right hand to give and receive. It is important to maintain eye contact with your interlocutor.<\/p>\n

– In this country, business culture tends not to include women as a business interlocutor, to avoid uncomfortable situations, and if possible, a male representative should be involved in Algerian businesses.<\/p>\n

– Algerians appreciate the offer of a gift as an expression of sympathy, which helps to develop a business relationship (a gastronomic delicacy, for instance, may be highly appreciated).<\/p>\n

– Perseverance may be decisive, it’s normal to wait for 2 or 3 years before an Algerian interlocutor gives you an opportunity.<\/p>\n

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BE AWARE OF THE RULES OF ETIQUETTE<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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– Algerians tend to be friendly and affable. If you receive an invitation to have lunch or dinner at your business partner’s house, you should accept the invitation as it may facilitate the contact. Never refuse food offered to you.<\/p>\n

– The greetings can vary, above all, it depends on whether you are male or female. To avoid embarrassing incidents, which may even hinder business relations: a woman should not extend her hand to an Algerian man unless he takes the initiative; if you are a man greeting an Algerian woman, a nod should be enough.<\/p>\n

– Avoid talking about politics, sex, or religious matters, particularly at the beginning of a business relationship. Instead, you may opt to talk about family, food or Algerian music.<\/p>\n

– Outside tourist sites, avoid taking any photos and adapt your behaviour to the customs of the country. Dress and act sober. Photographing military or sensitive locations, including military or security personnel, can lead to arrest or detention and, possibly, deportation.<\/p>\n

– In Algeria, there are still places that are forbidden to women and there are even bars reserved for men only.<\/p>\n

– Ramadan is very important for Algerians. During this period, don\u2019t smoke, eat or drink in public places until sunset. Always respect religious places of worship.<\/p>\n

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MASTER THE LANGUAGE<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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In Algeria, the Arab-Berber are predominant, mostly Sunni Muslims. The ‘Amazigh’ or ‘Tamazigh’ (‘Berber language’), spoken in various regions of the country, has the status of a national language.<\/p>\n

Generally speaking, French is widely used, especially as a working language. However, English is not commonly used.<\/p>\n

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SAVE THIS INFORMATION<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Alcohol is forbidden to Muslims, however, it is often seen in public and it’s easy to find and sell it. The legal age to buy and consume alcohol is 18 years.<\/p>\n

Homosexuality is illegal and sentences include imprisonment. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of drugs are serious and convicted offenders can face prison sentences and heavy fines.<\/p>\n

It’s against the law to try to convert Muslims to another religion or distribute material that could be interpreted as an attempt to convert Muslims to another religion.<\/p>\n

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Wanna expand your business by attending relevant events in the Algerian market?<\/p>\n

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BLEACH DESIGN GIVES YOU A HAND!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\t\t