On August 12, 2023, the opening ceremony of the mainline 84km Eastern Section of Algeria East-West Highway Project in the Algerian National Zone was held. Ayman Benabderrahmane, Algerian Prime Minister, led the Minister of Interior, Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructures, Minister of Energy and Mines, Minister of Industry, and Governor of El Tarf Province to attend.
Ayman Benabderrahmane stated in an interview with the media that the full connection of Algeria East-West Highway will greatly facilitate people's travel, shorten the transportation distance between the east and west to 12 hours, promote trade between provinces, and further enhance economic exchanges with Tunisia. This is a significant achievement of strategic significance.
In his speech, Mohamed Khaldi, the Director of Algeria’s National Highway Agency, praised CITIC Group as a good friend and reliable partner. Previously, the CITIC-CRCC Consortium undertook the construction of over 500 kilometers of the western and central sections of the Algeria East-West Highway. Now, CITIC has completed the final 84 kilometers, totaling over 600 kilometers, which is a feat in Algeria. We overcame many difficulties together and ultimately achieved high-quality opening of the entire line.
The total length of Algeria East-West Highway is 1216 kilometers, and the 84km eastern section project is the last section of the Algeria East-West Highway. The terrain and geological conditions are extremely complex, and the crossing area is widely distributed with unfavorable geology such as soft soil and marl. The smooth opening of this section marks the completion of the 53 year "Century Project" planned in 1970, which will significantly alleviate local traffic congestion, facilitate residents' travel, optimize the investment environment, and have important significance for improving people's livelihoods and economic development in Algeria.
Representatives of various partner units of the Algeria East-West Highway, leaders of relevant units such as the Algerian Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructures and Algeria’s National Highway Agency, as well as local media reporters, attended the opening ceremony.