Cherfa insiste sur l’importance d’accélérer la création d’un Conseil d’affaires bilatéral
Summary of the Algerian-Venezuelan Bilateral Economic Cooperation
Introduction
The Algerian Minister of Agriculture, Youcef Cherfa, has highlighted the urgency of establishing an Algerian-Venezuelan Business Council to invigorate bilateral partnerships. This call to action underscores the diverse opportunities available for collaboration, particularly in agriculture and trade.
Session of the Joint Governmental Commission
Cherfa’s comments were made during the 5th session of the Algerian-Venezuelan Joint Commission on Economic, Trade, Scientific, Technical, and Cultural Cooperation, co-chaired by him and Julio César Leon Heredia, Venezuela’s Minister of Productive Agriculture and Lands. He stressed the pressing need for the Business Council, noting that it was a recognition of the existing economic realities. This need was initially identified during a business forum organized by the Algerian Economic Renewal Council (CREA) last year.
Priority Areas for Collaboration
Focusing on key sectors for cooperation, Cherfa identified significant opportunities in agriculture, including the development of seeds and plants, genetic improvements in animal and plant production, dairy production, veterinary and phytosanitary health, as well as fishing and aquaculture. He underscored the strategic importance of agriculture in Algeria, which has been a focus of major reforms aimed at enhancing food security and promoting exports.
New Direct Air Route
Cherfa remarked on the notable progress made in the friendship and cooperation between Algeria and Venezuela, expressing hope that economic exchanges would further flourish due to the upcoming launch of a direct flight route between Alger and Caracas. This route, expected to begin operations shortly, will enhance travel and commerce, facilitating business interactions and tourism. The minister emphasized the need for mutually beneficial partnerships to significantly increase trade volumes, which currently do not reflect the potential of both nations.
Future Commission Meetings
In his statement to the press, Cherfa revealed that the next session of the bilateral commission would take place in Caracas in the first half of 2027. Furthermore, discussions during the current session focused on opportunities to export Algerian agricultural products to Venezuela and import products such as coffee, bananas, and meat from Venezuela.
Venezuelan Commitment to Cooperation
Heredia reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to elevating economic and trade relations, particularly in agriculture, energy, technology, and education. He mentioned that the session produced a roadmap aimed at strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation.
Both ministers acknowledged Algeria’s significant role on the international stage and its historical struggles, with Heredia noting that expanding cooperation into new areas marks a step towards greater integration and complementarity, ultimately benefiting both countries and their peoples.
Conclusion
The ongoing discussions between Algeria and Venezuela symbolize a commitment to enhancing cooperative ties across various sectors, particularly in agriculture and commerce. The introduction of a Business Council and the establishment of a direct air route signify concrete steps toward realizing the full potential of their economic partnership.
