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.
Vietnamese Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha (L) at a meeting with Algerian Minister of Industry and Mines Youcef Yousfi
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 fertilizer 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 Organization. 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 road-map 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.
Source: VNA