Algeria and China’s Henan Province Explore Expanded Agricultural Cooperation
Algeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, Yacine El-Mahdi Oualid, received a high-level delegation from China’s Henan Province, led by Vice Governor Zhang Min, to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation in agriculture and related industries.
According to a ministry statement, the meeting took place at the ministry’s headquarters in the presence of the Chinese ambassador to Algeria. Both sides praised the longstanding relations between Algeria and China and highlighted their shared political determination to deepen economic and commercial cooperation, particularly in agriculture and food processing.
The discussions focused on practical partnership opportunities that could be developed in the short and medium term, including stronger trade exchanges. Zhang Min expressed Henan Province’s interest in importing Algerian products known for their high quality in order to meet demand in the Chinese market and neighbouring markets. She also referred to the customs exemptions granted by China to African countries.
The two sides examined possible cooperation in agricultural technology, smart farming, the import and local manufacture of agricultural equipment, the construction of grain storage facilities, and the development of food industries.
Algerian economic operators were invited to participate in the International Agriculture, Agricultural Equipment and Food Industries Exhibition, scheduled to take place in Henan Province next October. The event is expected to promote Algerian products, encourage the exchange of expertise and create partnerships between companies operating in agriculture and related fields.
The meeting also included a proposal for an agreement between Algeria’s National Institute of Agricultural Research and a university in Henan Province. The proposed partnership would focus on agricultural research, especially the production of improved and more resistant seeds.
Henan is one of China’s largest regional economies, with a gross domestic product exceeding $900 billion. It is also a major agricultural province, producing more than 65 million tonnes of grain annually.
