By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Nov. 8 -- Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia said state oil and gas company Sonatrach and state electricity and gas company Sonelgaz are not included in the planned privatization of Algerian corporations.
Earlier this month, Ouyahia announced in Algiers that 1,200 public companies would be proposed for privatization. The list excluded strategic enterprises, including Sonatrach and Sonelgaz, OPEC News Agency reported.
The privatization of Algeria's state-owned industries is moving ahead as the nation negotiates to join the World Trade Organization.
Algerian officials have said they are opening state-controlled industries to reduce the country's dependence on the oil sector and to help slash unemployment.
