The work on the $100 million Algeria East-West Highway project is progressing well and is due to be completed by 2014, according to senior government officials.

The project, which involves 1,300km cross-desert road; and a 700km side highway in the upper hills, is being developed under Algeria's nationwide development scheme.

Furthermore, last month, the Algerian Ministry of Public Works announced plans to budget $87 billion for transportation-related infrastructure including roads, ports, and airports by 2014, said the officials ahead of a key summit.

The Algerian Infrastructure Summit is being organised in capital Algiers by French business information group naseba from September 16 to 17.

Enhancing Algerian infrastructure is at the heart of the summit, said the organisers. It will focus on connecting leading construction companies, architects, real estate developers and project developers with up to 100 project holders from Algeria.

“Algeria is considered an anchor of stability in a region that has experienced challenging times recently. Through its 5-year plan it has an opportunity to consolidate its position as a leader in the North Africa region. The aim of this summit is to help the country achieve this,” remarked Fabien Faure, the naseba managing director.

International leaders in infrastructure including Yuksel from Turkey, Mapna Group from Iran and India-based Varmora have already confirmed their attendance, he added.-TradeArabia News Service