Source :VNA, 26/10/2007
Ha Noi (VNA)- Algerian Ambassador to Viet Nam Naceur Boucherit has pointed out numerous fields that the two countries can work together for mutual interest.
He made the statement in an exclusive interview with the Viet Nam News Agency (VNA) when the two countries are celebrating the 45 th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on October 28.
Naceur said the regular exchange of visits at all levels and economic booms have brought in numerous opportunities for businesses from the two countries, highlighting PetroVietnam, which entered into a 231 million USD oil and gas venture with Sonatrach company in 2002, as a model for other businesses to follow.
It’s also a good signal that an increasing number of Vietnamese businesses have accompanied their Prime Minister and National Assembly Chairman on visits to Algeria to seek investment opportunities, he said.
But he noted that two-way trade remains low at almost 60 million USD a year, stressing this was still far below expectation and far away from the two countries’ potential.
In an effort to change the trend, “Algerian businesses made their first visit to Viet Nam in December last year. Forums held in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City during their visit ushered in a new stage of Algeria-Viet Nam history,” said the diplomat.
The joint Viet Nam-Algeria committee’s meeting in March, 2006 also brought in a promising prospect for bilateral relations and helped expand cooperative areas, he added.
Algeria is not only a link between Europe and Africa but also an entrance gate into African markets, he noted.
The diplomat called for greater efforts from the two Governments to set up strong partnerships between Vietnamese and Algerian businesses and promote a tri-party model in Africa .
Such a model should also be applied to Viet Nam to turn the country into an entrance gate into Asia, which has contributed an increasingly important part in Algeria ’s foreign trade and investment, he concluded.--Enditem
