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Source : Vietnam News, 01/11/2007
On the occasion of Algeria's 53rd National Day today, the country's ambassador to Viet Nam, Naceur Boucherit, spoke to Viet Nam News
As Viet Nam and Algeria are celebrating the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, what is the most important aspect of the two countries' relationship?
First of all, it is my honour to speak with Viet Nam News and its readers on Algeria's 53rd National Day. On November 1, 1954, the Algerian revolution broke out, marking the country's quest for freedom and independence.
This year, the event coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and Algeria, which began in 1962. Viet Nam was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with Algeria – just one month after our declaration of independence.
This dual celebration is a great opportunity to remind us of the support each country has given the other in their struggles for independence.
Viet Nam and Algeria share a similar vision of our joint future, namely the furthering of economic co-operation to match the outstanding political relationship between the two countries.
I am happy that our bilateral ties have seen progress, especially in politics. We share the same ideals and face the same economic obstacles in trade globalisation.
How would you evaluate the current condition of the two countries' trade ties?
The annual bilateral trade turnover is about US$60 million. We admit that this figure does not match our true potential. One reason is that we still do not have a tradition of exchange among private enterprises, most of whom are very interested in each other's domestic markets, and know the regional markets they are working in. Other reasons are language difficulties, a lack of information in market structure along with customs and financial regulations.
I think we can overcome all of these problems. We should mention the efforts of both Governments and relevant agencies to create favourable conditions to promote trade and investment, provide necessary information and encourage direct exchanges.
I am optimistic, and believe that economic relations between Viet Nam and Algeria will soon develop to match our expectations.
What does Algeria think of its role as a bridge linking Vietnamese enterprises to Africa, and also of Viet Nam as a link between Algeria and the Asian market?
Aside from bilateral relations, Viet Nam and Algeria are striving to build up strategic partnerships with markets in Africa, Asia and other continents.
As the gateway between Europe and Africa, Algeria can help Vietnamese enterprises access other markets, especially those in Africa, with whom it has long-standing political and economic ties. Moreover, Algeria is one of the founding countries of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
We need to work together to create more favourable conditions for Vietnamese and African enterprises to establish closer co-operation based on mutual support. This will also help Viet Nam in its role as a gateway to Asia – a continent that is becoming increasingly important in Algeria's trade and investment policy.
Algeria ranks third among countries receiving investment from Viet Nam. In which area do you think Vietnamese investors have been most successful in Algeria?
The economies in both countries have been more open than those of previous years, with more businesses and a healthier competitive environment. This has brought back trade opportunities, as well as big partnerships for enterprises in both countries.
Energy can be considered one important field of our bilateral relations. The Viet Nam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) has been in Algeria since 2002, within the framework of an oil and gas exploration project with Algerian Sonatrach Company and having a total capital of over $231 million – accounting for nearly one fourth of Viet Nam's total investment abroad. We can see the quality of co-operation between the two companies, which will soon enter the joint-production stage. They have also made plans to expand into other fields.
This model should serve as an example to enterprises in other fields with great, unexploited opportunities such as construction, agricultural production and fisheries.
How will co-operation between Viet Nam and Algeria benefit from Viet Nam's World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership?
Algeria always follows and admires Viet Nam's achievements, with its open-door economic policy, pushing up industrialisation and modernisation.
Economic reforms, as well as Viet Nam's efforts over the past 10 years, have brought about significant results for the country as a member of the WTO.
Algeria will soon join the organisation and share with Viet Nam the challenges in economic development and open-door policies. The two sides can exchange experiences, especially in regards to management work.
Joining the WTO will certainly help improve the two countries' economic prospects, as it will create a favourable investment environment as well as new opportunities in all economic fields.
However, Viet Nam and Algeria must limit some of the possible shortcomings of international economic integration. We must create opportunities for our enterprises to be more competitive. They should be well-equipped with information and knowledge to prepare for the reforms after joining the WTO. We also need to try our best to reduce the impact of integration on the nation's poor, especially those living in rural areas.
I believe that when both countries are part of the WTO, our enterprises can implement and promote trade in each other's markets with fewer obstacles. We will be able to do business freely and with healthy competition. — VNS
