Algiers (VNA) – Vietnamese Minister ofConstruction Pham Hong Ha had working sessions with Algeria’s minister ofindustry and mines and minister of housing, urban planning and the city inAlgiers on November 27, aiming to enhance bilateral ties.

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

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

However, bilateral cooperation, particularly intrade, is below potential, they noted.

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

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

He also suggested Vietnamese firms invest inmining and fertiliser production in his country since Algeria is home to manymineral mines.

[Algeria important to Vietnam’s cooper🦹ation in Africa: Min🥂ister]

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

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

Meeting with Algerian Minister of Housing, UrbanPlanning and the City Abdelwahid Temmar, Minister Ha said he wants the NorthAfrican country to share its experience in construction with Vietnam. Hesuggested both sides review signed documents and their implementation outcomesin order to renew cooperation agreements.

He asked the Algerian ministry to helpVietnamese companies seek opportunities for investment and businesspartnerships in the country.

He also suggested the establishment of a jointworking group between the two ministries to review bilateral cooperation andpropose solutions to deepen their ties.

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

Ha took this occasion to thank Algeria forsupporting Vietnam in various spheres, from politics to economy. He affirmedthat Vietnam wants to intensify the friendship and bilateral commitmentsbetween the two countries.-VNA