Algeria's CNES, World Bank sign memorandum of co-operation

[Al-khiyal]

Algeria's National Economic and Social Council (CNES) and the World Bank held a symposium on economic freedom, governance and poverty on Saturday (February 3rd) in Algiers. The event aimed at harmonising the working methods of Algerian institutions with those of international bodies. In an opening speech, CNES President Mohamed Seghir Babes briefed the attendees on the different reforms Algeria has undertaken since 1999. World Bank representatives, Algerian socioeconomic partners, university teachers and representatives of the Algerian civil society and institutions attended the symposium. A memorandum of co-operation was signed between the two institutions, which outlines the Bank assistance in introducing international standards to CNES.

Algeria's CNES, World Bank sign memorandum of co-operation

[Al-khiyal]

The World Bank and Algeria’s National Economic and Social Council (CNES) signed a memorandum earlier this month in Algiers during a conference targeting poverty, economic freedom and good governance. With the ultimate goal of contributing to good governance in Algeria, the agreement focuses on three main areas: strengthening the analytical capacity of CNES experts; supporting the preparation of CNES annual reports; and improving the dissemination of information contained in CNES publications.

CNES President Mohamed-Seghir Babes said the agreement called for "training cycles" and the "transfer of skills and knowledge" between the World Bank and CNES. World Bank Maghreb Department Director Théodore Ahlers said the memorandum would "allow the World Bank to help with the drafting of CNES reports on economic development and good governance and to share its analyses and experience".

The agreement falls under a co-operation strategy developed three years ago by the World Bank and the CNES. The strategy emphasizes the role of good governance in development, Ahlers said. "Algeria is doing well at the macroeconomic level. The real challenge [is creating jobs and attracting investment in the private sector] in areas other than hydrocarbons," he said.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, World Bank Institute for Governance and Knowledge Transfer Issues Director Daniel Kaufmann said that in comparison to other world regions, the 15 countries in the MENA region suffer from a "governance deficit". Kaufmann said countries like Algeria can create a better investment climate by improving governmental effectiveness, the quality of national legislation and efforts in the fight against corruption.

Houri Labidi, a lecturer in economics at the University of Algiers, described CNES as "a serious institution, distinguished by scientific methods of analysis", and one that contributes to multi-sector reforms in support of good governance. Labidi said that by co-operating with the World Bank, CNES stands to gain "additional credibility by adopting the most modern international standards in collecting and processing information".

Some of the proposed projects will be funded directly by the World Bank, while others will be partially or fully financed by CNES - like some of the technical assistance projects being implemented by other Algerian institutions.

World Bank, Algeria sign memorandum targeting governance