From correspondents in West Bengal, India, 12:00 AM IST

Algerian Ambassador Noureddine Bardad-Daidj Friday said that the public sector Gas Authority of India Ltd (Gail) may be part of the $13-billion Trans-Sahara gas pipeline project.

Bardad-Daidj was addressing an interactive session arranged by the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BNCCI) here.

'Trade cooperation between the two countries has improved and stands at around $1.4 billion in 2007,' he said.

India has signed two memoranda of understanding (MoU) with Algeria. The Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) has expressed interest to work jointly with Sonatrach, the national oil company of Algeria.

Stressing on the improved economy of the country, the envoy welcomed investment from India in sectors like, infrastructure, pharmaceutical, banking and finance, real estate and fishery.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)