President of Chad Idriss Deby on Saturday started a three-day visit to Algeria, as he pleaded the north African nation to invest in his country.

On his first day in Algeria, Deby attended the opening ceremony of the Algerian-Chadian Economic Meeting, which gathers hundreds of businessmen and economic operators of both countries to discuss potential investment opportunities between the two nations.

In this regard, Deby called upon Algeria to help his country develop the energy sector, including in terms of oil and gas exploration and exploitation.

"We can work together for a better development this sector in Chad," Deby told the conference opening, adding "We look forward to see the energy giant Sonatrach helping us with its experience to develop oil and gas blocks."

He further noted that the mining sector could be another potential fields for bilateral economic and industrial cooperation, saying his country disposes of large mineral deposit, including gold, uranium, zinc, cement and marble.

Deby also pleaded Algerian economic operators to invest developing the food industry, as part of an important plan established by the government in Chad.

Algerian Industry Minister Abdessalam Bouchouareb said the Algerian government do encourage local companies to invest in Chad, as they have the required capacities and meet the international standards.

Bouchouareb further invited Chadian companies and operators to enter the Algerian market, saying "they will be welcomed and assisted to work here."

The Chadian President is due to meet his Algerian counterpart Bouteflika, to discuss ways and means of developing bilateral cooperation.

They will also discuss to reinforce their combined efforts with other countries in the African Sahel region in a bid to safeguard peace, security and stability in the region, including in Mali and Libya. Endit

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