Prime Minister's visit to Algeria takes bilateral relations to new heights

Chuyến thăm của Thủ tướng tới Algeria đưa quan hệ song phương lên tầm cao mới- Ảnh 1. — Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Tran Quoc Khanh - Photo: Trung Khanh - VNA reporter in Algeria

In an interview ahead of the Prime Minister's official visit to Algeria, Ambassador Tran Quoc Khanh said the visit is also an opportunity for the two sides to review and promote existing cooperation mechanisms, while expanding substantive cooperation in the fields of economics , science, technology and culture in the context of the two countries moving towards diversifying partners and strengthening international links.

The focus of the visit is on three main areas. Firstly, upgrading relations, promoting political dialogue, creating a legal basis and high political commitment to expand cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Second, promote trade exchange, promote bilateral investment, remove some existing problems in trade between the two countries, exploit advantages in agriculture , healthcare - pharmaceuticals, energy and digital transformation.

Third, create new momentum for people-to-people, cultural and educational exchange activities, continuing to promote the heritage of historical friendship between the two nations.

The two sides will also sign a number of cooperation documents, thereby creating a favorable framework for businesses of the two countries to implement specific projects in the coming time.

Efforts to promote Vietnam - Algeria cooperation in three key areas

The Ambassador emphasized that the three key areas of cooperation between the two countries, including agriculture and food security, healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, along with digital transformation and energy, are strategic areas that can create new space for bilateral cooperation in the upcoming development period.

In terms of agriculture and food security, Algeria has a great demand for food, processed food and preservation technology while having a large cultivated area, diverse land resources and climate. Vietnam has strengths in breeding, production and processing technology.

The two sides can cooperate in cultivation and post-harvest processing; share experience in managing green agricultural value chains, aquaculture and applying high technology to improve productivity and quality of agricultural products.

In medicine and pharmaceuticals, Vietnam has achieved many successes in the production of herbal medicines and biological products, drug addiction treatment, and has made great progress in practical medicine such as surgery and organ transplantation. Algeria is developing its health system and needs to increase its capacity to produce pharmaceuticals and biological products, and to train and exchange experiences in organ transplantation.

This is an opportunity for both sides to research, jointly produce drugs and medical equipment, as well as train human resources in this field.

Regarding digital transformation and energy, Algeria is a major energy country in North Africa and the world. The Algerian government is also making efforts to promote e-government and develop renewable energy. Vietnam has strong experience and businesses in the fields of information technology, solar energy and green energy. The two countries can coordinate to build pilot projects, share management experience and transfer technology.

In general, these three areas complement each other, agriculture needs modernization, digitalization of the supply chain, healthcare needs production capacity, training and logistics, energy and digital transformation are the foundation for all modernized services. Therefore, to promote cooperation, the two countries need to develop strongly and synchronously in the above areas.

Wide open potential to promote Vietnam - Algeria relations

Referring to the potential for future cooperation between the two countries, the Ambassador said that Algeria’s new Investment Law and related reforms have created a more favorable legal environment for foreign investors. With a population of over 47 million people and a strategic location – a gateway to Africa and the Mediterranean – Algeria has great potential in areas such as agricultural processing, light industry, pharmaceuticals, information technology and renewable energy.

Vietnamese enterprises should have a systematic and long-term approach to the Algerian market. Initially, it is necessary to carefully study the legal environment and business practices to take advantage of the investment incentive mechanism of the Algerian Government. Enterprises also need to pay attention to small and medium-sized projects, taking advantage of the joint venture model with local partners. Starting with specific projects, gradually expanding the scale, while carefully studying technical standards and market needs. The Embassy and the Vietnamese Trade Office in Algeria are always ready to support enterprises in connecting information, finding partners and promoting trade.

Spreading Vietnam - Algeria friendship

Referring to the friendly relations between the two countries, the Ambassador shared that many generations of Algerian people and leaders have always had special trust and affection for Vietnam. This affection is a priceless spiritual heritage, a solid foundation for the two countries to continue building relations in the new era.

"To 'keep the fire' and further spread that friendship, we need to continue using culture to connect localities, people, businesses, and through culture to spread good values and positive images of Vietnam. In particular, Vietnam's cultural diplomacy and foreign information need to be placed in the overall Strategy to strengthen relations with countries and regions and be invested selectively, with immediate priority given to countries like Algeria," the Ambassador expressed.

Community work needs to continue to be promoted with special support policies, taking into account local factors. At the same time, the two countries need to continue to pay attention to creating conditions for traditional Vietnamese martial arts, especially Vovinam, to develop into one of the important bridges connecting the youth of the two countries.

In addition, cultural exchange activities, photo exhibitions, film screenings, scholarship programs and student exchanges need to be expanded. At the same time, the story of Vietnam-Algeria friendship needs to be retold in a new, more vivid and closer language to the youth.

The Embassy will continue to accompany agencies and organizations of the two countries to concretize these activities, contributing to renewing and deepening the special friendship between the people of the two countries./.

Thuy Dung

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/chuyen-tham-cua-thu-tuong-toi-algeria-dua-quan-he-song-phuong-len-tam-cao-moi-102251112165318348.htm