ALGERIA WELCOMES MSIAN INVESTORS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysian investors, especially in the
services sector, are encouraged to invest in Algeria, as the country is
currently undergoing rapid infrastructure and industrial development.

International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Mukhriz Mahathir said
Malaysian investors were welcomed to partake in the country's housing, public
works, agricultural and rural development, higher education, health and
transportation sectors.

"The strategic reform initiatives under this plan will focus on improving
and upgrading the Algerian quality of life, enhance sources of growth and
ensure the sustainability of its economic growth.

"The Algerian government is also sincere in its interest to develop the
country, and like in Malaysia, they are implementing the "people first
concept," he told reporters after officiating a business seminar on Algeria
here Thursday..

Mukhriz said the Algeria Minister of Housing and Urban Planning has
invited Malaysian companies to participate in housing and township development
projects in Algeria as an two million houses were required by 2015.

"This indicates the goodwill and trust the Algerians have towards Malaysian
capabilities.

"They have seen our products, of course not as cheap as in China and India,
but they are of better quality than those countries, in fact, we can match
European standards," he added.

Recently, the Algerian government announced a five-year investment
Plan, between 2010 and 2014, under which US$286 billion has been allocated for
infrastructure and industrial development programmes.

Mukhriz said the Algerian government has established mechanisms to
revitalise investment financing, including the setting up of a National
Investment Fund, various leasing facilities and the consolidation of
credit guarantee funds for small-and-medium enterprises.

A Muslim country of 35 million people, Algeria provides an ideal investment
location for Malaysian investors who can also tap into the Middle East, North
Africa and European markets.