In a statement to the press on the sidelines of a meeting on food security, Benbada underlined that Algeria has had "great support" from several countries, particularly from Asia, including China, as well as from Latin America. These countries "supported Algeria’s accession to WTO," he said.

In this regard, he said that "Algeria has presented substantial and detailed file compared to the previous rounds," as confirmed by several countries, including the United States and Canada, as well as the European Union.

In this respect, he underlined that a programme has been set for WTO Member States to address their questions before 10 May to Algeria, which committed to reply by end of June or by 15 July at the latest.

Another round of negotiations may be held next autumn, he said.

However, Benbada said that despite the progress made so far, Algeria should make further efforts and meet some requirements related to investment in the sector of services in accordance with 51/49% rule, as well as other requirements related to intellectual properties.

Algeria presented 12 documents to the working group in charge of its accession to WTO.

The Algerian delegation met representatives of 12 WTO member states on 2, 3 and 4 April, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Ecuador, Argentina, the United States, El Salvador, Canada, Norway, New Zealand, Japan, Australia and Turkey.

The four bilateral agreements signed with Uruguay, Cuba, Switzerland and Brazil were submitted to WTO secretariat, while two other agreements with Venezuela and Argentina are being finalized.

Since its installation in 1995, the working group in charge of Algeria’s accession to WTO held ten formal and two informal meetings.

The group has already examined Algeria’s trade legislation. It first draft report was drawn up in 2006 and revised in 2008. The draft report, which was examined during the 11th round of negotiations, was submitted to WTO in December 2012.