To strengthen trade and investment ties between Vietnam and Algeria, particularly with Ghardaia Province, the Vietnam Trade Office in Algeria conducted a working program in Ghardaia from February 22 to 25, 2025. The delegation coordinated with the Ghardaia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) to organize a seminar on promoting economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
1. Strengthening Connections with Ghardaia Province
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Representatives of Ghardaia Province attending the event included Mr. Mukli Djamal, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with leaders of various departments, the Association of Industrialists, the Provincial Chamber of Agriculture, and 15 local enterprises engaged in agriculture, food processing, packaging, logistics, and import-export activities.
Located about 600 km south of Algiers, Ghardaia is a major commercial and industrial center in central Algeria with a population of over 500,000 people.
The province has two industrial zones operating in key sectors such as:
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Food processing
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Wood and paper manufacturing
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Metallurgy and mechanical engineering
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Electrical and electronic equipment
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Glass, building materials, and textiles
Ghardaia also boasts strong tourism potential, featuring five ancient cities in the M’zab Valley recognized by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage sites.
The local Chamber of Commerce and Industry invited Vietnamese businesses to explore opportunities for investment, joint ventures, and production partnerships, especially in manufacturing goods for both domestic consumption and export. The province provides favorable policies for foreign investors, including tax incentives and industrial land leases, following Algeria’s new Investment Law of 2022.
2. Enhancing Bilateral Trade and Investment
During the seminar, Mr. Hoang Duc Nhuan, Commercial Counselor of Vietnam in Algeria, presented an overview of Vietnam’s economy and bilateral trade relations.
According to Vietnam Customs, two-way trade between Vietnam and Algeria reached approximately USD 220 million in 2024.
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Major Vietnamese exports: green coffee, pepper, cashew nuts, desiccated coconut, seafood, and chemicals.
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Main imports from Algeria: carob powder, pharmaceuticals, ores, recycled paper, animal feed, and chicken feet.
In terms of investment cooperation, the joint venture between PVEP (PetroVietnam Exploration Production Corporation), PTTEP (Thailand), and Sonatrach (Algeria) continues to perform effectively at the Bir Seba oil field in Ouargla Province, maintaining production at 16,000–18,000 barrels per day since operations began in August 2015.
Beyond oil and gas, several Vietnamese business delegations visited Algeria in 2024 seeking partnerships in pharmaceuticals, functional foods, construction, and labor supply.
3. Promoting Vietnam’s Trade Events and Exhibitions
On this occasion, the Vietnam Trade Office introduced upcoming international trade events in Vietnam, including:
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Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival (March 2025)
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Vietnam Expo (April & December 2025)
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Vietnam International Sourcing Expo (September 2025)
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Vietnam Food Expo (November 2025)
Algerian authorities and businesses were invited to attend and explore partnership opportunities.
4. Expanding Opportunities for Bilateral Business
Local Algerian enterprises expressed strong interest in importing products such as:
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Raw coffee
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Spices
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Rice
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Cashew nuts
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Sugar
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Plastic raw materials
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Sports goods
They also aim to export to Vietnam various items such as:
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Olive oil
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Dates
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Dairy products and margarine
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Carpets
In addition, Algerian companies are looking for Vietnamese partners in textile production, agricultural processing, refrigeration equipment manufacturing, logistics, and tourism.