Since Algeria’s privatization agenda began in 2005, the process has continued to play a lead role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), paving the way for further liberalization plans after the country’s economy suffered years of mismanagement under a socialist regime. However, the privatization of Algerian industry has not delivered the expected results. Investment has been hampered by delays in the privatization plans. Critics doubt the ability of the government to privatize the near 100 firms they targeted for sales in 2008. The question of land, in particular, is often among the main obstacles. Asked about the meager results, Algeria’s Minister of Industry and Investment Promotion Abdelhamid Temmar said “the economic problem regarding land will be permanently resolved before the end of 2008”. Verifiable data is still hard to obtain as Temmar’s ministry does not follow the strictest of transparency standards. Balance sheets are not fully disclosed and parties involved
