Korean Ambassador Highlights Sinova-Samsung Industrial Model
The strategic partnership between Algeria and the Republic of Korea, initiated in 2006, is set to mark its 20th anniversary in 2026. This comprehensive framework encompasses key areas such as diplomacy, economy, defense, and industry. Demonstrating the vitality of this bilateral relationship, South Korean Ambassador to Algeria, Mr. Min Kyeong-tae, recently visited the Sinova industrial complex in Sétif. This visit occurred within a broader dynamic of rapprochement, which this year included the 8th Ministerial Conference for Korean-African Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) in Seoul and ongoing bilateral consultations, underscoring Algeria's emphasis on this distinctive partnership.
The Sinova-Samsung partnership in Sétif serves as a prominent industrial model for this two-decade long bilateral cooperation, reflecting the evolution of economic and industrial ties between the two nations. For twenty years, Samsung has supported Algerian consumers with diverse innovative products and technological solutions. This presence has progressively expanded to include industrial dimensions, fostering local production, skill development, and the cultivation of Algerian expertise. The collaboration with Sinova has been instrumental in the local manufacturing of numerous Samsung product categories at the Sétif industrial complex.
This industrial partnership is not static but continuously renewed, with new product categories being added to the locally manufactured range. Ongoing modernization of production lines consistently enhances the quality and industrial performance of the Sétif site. Sinova's industrial complex, spanning 75,000 square meters, boasts a production capacity exceeding 35,000 units per month, covering six product categories and 25 television models. Local integration rates have seen continuous development, rising from 15-25% to 40-45% for televisions and ranging between 65-75% for refrigerators, reflecting advancements in local industrial capabilities and technological expertise transfer.
Industrial activities directly contribute to job creation and support related services, with Sinova currently employing over 800 direct workers and approximately 400 indirect positions, alongside a network of 31 after-sales service centers across the national territory. Beyond the Algerian market, the Sinova-Samsung production extends to regional markets, with exports already undertaken to Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and other African destinations. This demonstrates the capability of Algerian-made products to access regional markets and positions the Sétif complex as a competitive industrial platform for future projects, solidifying the strategic partnership's multi-dimensional expansion.
