(24 Mar 2016) LEAD IN:
With crude oil prices continuing in a slump, heavily petro-dollar dependent economies like Algeria's are looking to diversify.
STORY-LINE
This electronics company are one of many Algerian outfits looking for a place in outside markets.
Algeria, which depends on oil and gas for 94 percent of its exports, has been hit hard by the halving in oil prices over the past 18 months.
The lower revenues have severely impacted a country that relies on expensive subsidies and the government providing most services.
Companies like this one, Condor Electronics, with their factory 250 kilometres (155 miles) east of capital Algiers see opportunities amidst the overall economic gloom in Algeria.
Along with other local producers, they have avoided some of the worst impacts of the slumping value of the dinar.
"Our production capacity exceeds the demand in the local market. That's why we want to move into other markets overseas," says factory manager Reda Boubetra.
Low energy prices and low staff costs mean their finished products can be made for a competitive cost. They say the electronics goods they sell represent good value for money.
"After participating in the international mobile telephony fair, we see that our products can compete in Europe, in Africa or in the Arab world. Our prices are good, we are good value for money, we are just lacking after-sales support and are now in the midst of setting that part up," explains Condor's director general, Abderahman Ben Hamadi.
The Algerian government has shown its willingness to encourage Algerian businesses to export more.
The economic crisis the country is facing following the slump in oil revenues demands that steps are taken to change the ways Algeria does things.
But economic observers remain sceptical that much will be achieved fast.
Ihsane El Kadi, editor of business news website "Maghreb Emergent" says for now many companies fear to precipitately rush in to the export business.
He says the conditions to support strong business growth are not yet in place, and that business too often feel 'alone' when it comes to moving into new markets.
"We cant expect Algerian businesses to do everything on their own. It's complicated. We need to help them. We need to listen to Algerian businesses who want to go into overseas markets, they say no-one is helping them, the banks aren't helping them. It's all about the financial risks they face, they need supportive banks," he says.
Algeria's current woes contrast with the era of high oil prices when the country was able to fund ambitious infrastructure projects like the 1,200 kilometre (745 mile) east-west highway.
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