Vietnamese Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha had working sessions with Algeria’s minister of industry and mines and minister of housing, urban planning and the city in Algiers on November 27, aiming to enhance bilateral ties.

Vietnamese Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha (L) at a meeting with Algerian Minister of Industry and Mines Youcef Yousfi

The meetings were part of the 11th meeting of the Vietnam-Algeria Inter-Governmental Committee in Algiers.

Ha, also head of the Vietnamese sub-committee of the Vietnam-Algeria Inter-Governmental Committee, and Algerian Minister of Industry and Mines Youcef Yousfi agreed that the two countries’ relations have been reinforced through bilateral cooperation and delegation exchanges, including official visits by their leaders.

However, bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, is below potential, they noted.

Yousfi proposed that after the inter-governmental committee’s 11th meeting, Vietnam and Algeria establish a working group for industry and mining to beef up cooperation effectiveness. Through this working group, the two sides can overhaul legal documents, tackle bottlenecks, set cooperation plans, and share information and experience in areas of their strength.

Notably, Algeria asked for Vietnam’s assistance in developing agriculture and tourism, which are considered the strengths of the Southeast Asian nation.

He also suggested Vietnamese firms invest in mining and fertiliser production in his country since Algeria is home to many mineral mines.

Applauding Algeria’s initiative to set up a working group for industry and mining, Minister Ha expressed his hope that both sides will step up collaboration to upgrade existing cooperation mechanisms. They should inform each other about respective policy changes early so as to help businesses avoid losses.

The countries also need to share more experience in development and reform, he said, adding that Vietnam will send experts to help Algeria negotiate its entry into the World Trade Organisation. The two sides need to strengthen ties in agriculture, urban housing, tourism, health care, and settlement of outstanding debt.

Meeting with Algerian Minister of Housing, Urban Planning and the City Abdelwahid Temmar, Minister Ha said he wants the North African country to share its experience in construction with Vietnam. He suggested both sides review signed documents and their implementation outcomes in order to renew cooperation agreements.

He asked the Algerian ministry to help Vietnamese companies seek opportunities for investment and business partnerships in the country.

He also suggested the establishment of a joint working group between the two ministries to review bilateral cooperation and propose solutions to deepen their ties.

For his part, Minister Temmar agreed on most of Vietnam’s proposals, especially building a roadmap for bilateral cooperation. He noted the two ministries will establish a joint working group in the near future.

Ha took this occasion to thank Algeria for supporting Vietnam in various spheres, from politics to economy. He affirmed that Vietnam wants to intensify the friendship and bilateral commitments between the two countries.

Algeria important to Vietnam’s cooperation in Africa: Minister

Algeria is of utmost importance to Vietnam’s political cooperation in Africa, so the two sides need to enhance their traditional relations, Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha told staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Algeria on November 26.

His working session with the embassy was part of the 11th meeting of the Vietnam-Algeria Inter-Governmental Committee from November 27 to 29.

Ambassador Pham Quoc Tru said the two countries have had sound relations for decades. Algerian people also have good sentiment towards Vietnamese people living in the African country.

Despite many difficulties, the embassy has made efforts to fulfill the tasks assigned by the Party and State, he noted.

Minister Ha, who is also head of the Vietnamese sub-committee of the Vietnam-Algeria Inter-Governmental Committee, said the two countries need to realise their commitments in diplomatic and trade ties.

He appreciated contributions by the embassy and Vietnamese people in Algeria to the two countries’ links. He asked the embassy to continue promoting the relationship between Vietnam and Algeria.

The 11th meeting of the Vietnam-Algeria Inter-Governmental Committee will take place in Algiers from November 27 to 29, during which Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia will receive Minister Ha and 

the Vietnamese delegation. The Vietnamese official will have working sessions with the Algerian ministers of housing and urban development; industry and mines; and agriculture, rural development and fisheries.

The Vietnamese side is set to attend a meeting between specialists of the Vietnam-Algeria Inter-Governmental Committee and the 11th meeting of the inter-governmental committee on November 28. They will also take part in a meeting between Vietnamese and Algerian businesses.

The 10th meeting of the Vietnam-Algeria Inter-Governmental Committee was held in Hanoi in January 2014.

VNA