· 28.06.2010 ·43rd FIA in Algiers: A Soft Wind of ChangeIt’s the still top event in Algeria – the FIA, short for Algiers International Fair – and has lost nothing of its importance. Nevertheless, a soft wind of change springs up: There is a shift in proportion of foreign exhibitors and smaller enterprises are gradually withdrawing. For the first time, the total number of exhibitors was smaller than the year before – the number dropped from almost 2000 exhibitors of 42 countries in 2009 to 1200 of 40 countries in 2010.
Especially French, Italian and German participations are on the decrease, while China is dominating the event more than ever. The waning interest of European companies is mainly due to the ever advancing specialized fairs which allow a more target-oriented approach and are hence increasingly preferred to the more general FIA.
Many of the 368 Algerian exhibitors benefit from a new government programme in support of local production. Moreover, investments in infrastructure are undiminished, the building sector is booming and there are business opportunities aplenty for foreign companies as well. At the same time general conditions have worsened. Due to the government anti-corruption campaign and a new financial legislation procedures have become more complicated than ever tending to act as a deterrent for small and middle-sized companies and provoking a mood that is careful as well as observant.
For Gerald Adler, the new IPSEN LOGISITICS’ Algerian manager, however, it was the perfect start into his new job and a great opportunity not only to get acquainted to his staff and colleagues from different countries, but most of all to meet existing and potential business partners in a casual, but productive atmosphere. In Africa more than anywhere else, personal relations are the key to success.
IPSEN LOGISTICS was one of the top German exhibitors this year and has already booked the same space for 2011. “This year was exceptionally successful – this goes for the number and quality of visitors at the stand as well as for the degree of detail in the conversations”, says Henri Laskowski, Vice President Business Development & Sales, “What struck me as new was the increased interest of suppliers – many Algerian based - in West Africa, a focus for us as well with its potential in the mining sector.”
Henri Laskowski talking to visitors at the IPSEN LOGISTICS stand,
in the photo with German Ambassador Dr. Mattei I. Hoffmann.
Backstage: Everybody's busy. On the right:
Antoine de Mirbeck, Managing Director of IPSEN LOGISTICS Morocco
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