Algeria is seeking to launch a free zone for trade exchange with Libya through two border zones, Algerian Trade Minister Kamal Rezig said on Tuesday.

"The free zone extends across the border governorates of Illizi and Wadi Souf (southeast) of Algeria," Rezig explained during the opening ceremony of the Algerian-Libyan Business Forum in the capital Algiers, confirming that the project has already been put into effect. The minister provided no details about the launch date.

According to Rezig, the step comes in the context of raising the trade volume between both countries, calling on the Algerian businessmen to invest and develop a strong partnership with their Libyan counterparts.

The Algerian-Libyan Business Forum kicked off last Tuesday under the auspices of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with more than 300 participants from both countries.