China is showing growing interest in strengthening its strategic partnership with Algeria, particularly in the economic field. The realization of this interest materialized through the visit of Liu Guozhong, vice-premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, special envoy of President Xi Jinping.
Indeed, the meeting between Liu Guozhong and Algerian officials, including Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Nadir Larbaoui, took place at the government palace. This working visit is part of the follow-up to the agreements reached during President Tebboune’s state visit to China in July 2023, marking a crucial step in strengthening bilateral ties.
During a fruitful working session, Larbaoui and the Chinese special envoy assessed the relations and partnerships between the two nations. They highlighted the progress made, particularly in the area of economic cooperation. Emphasis was placed on the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership, particularly in the area of investments, which received a significant boost during President Tebboune’s state visit to China.
The state visit to China was a major achievement for Algeria. Accompanied by nine ministers and national business leaders, President Tebboune consolidated relations between the two countries and attracted significant Chinese investments to Algeria.
Massive investments in various sectors
In addition, Chinese investment in Algeria amounts to $36 billion, covering sectors such as manufacturing, new technologies, knowledge economy, transportation, and agriculture. The signing of 19 agreements and memorandums of understanding demonstrates the breadth of this collaboration, encompassing trade, rail transport, technology, telecommunications, scientific and space research, and agriculture.
Indeed, the state visit paved the way for massive Chinese investments in strategic projects in Algeria. The Gara Djebilet mine development project, with an investment of $36 billion, aims to secure raw materials for the national steel industry and export the surplus. The railway lines linking Gara Djebilet to Béchar and the phosphate project in Tébessa illustrate the diversity of the sectors involved.
In addition, Sino-Algerian cooperation also extends to megaprojects, such as the integrated port of El Hamdania in Cherchell, entrusted to the Chinese partner CHEC. With a processing capacity of nearly 6.5 million containers per year, this port project is considered essential for the national economy. Other projects, including the lithium battery factory and China’s first automobile assembly plant in Bordj Bou-Arréridj, strengthen the prospect of a promising economic future for Algeria.
To conclude, Liu Guozhong’s visit to Algeria demonstrates China’s strong commitment to consolidating its ties with Algeria, thereby opening new, mutually beneficial economic opportunities for both nations.
