The Vietnam Algeria trade relationship has experienced significant growth, extending beyond traditional commerce into energy, agriculture, and investment sectors. Renewed momentum follows the long-standing Bilateral Trade Agreement, most recently renewed in 1994, according to Hoang Duc Thuan, Vietnam’s Trade Counsellor in Algeria.
Growth of Bilateral Trade
Trade between Vietnam and Algeria was modest from the 1960s until 2000, largely tied to Vietnam’s debt repayment arrangements. However, since 2001, bilateral trade volumes have surged, fueled by the increasing participation of private enterprises from both countries.
Vietnam’s key exports to Algeria include coffee, cashew nuts, pepper, seafood, chemicals, footwear, textiles, and steel. Algeria, in turn, exports computers, electronic components, carob powder, chicken feet, and animal feed to Vietnam. Algerian authorities are also seeking Vietnamese partners for date and olive oil imports, reflecting expanding commercial opportunities.
To enhance trade connectivity, both countries have organized numerous business forums, online trade events, and participation in exhibitions such as Viet Nam Expo, Viet Nam Food Expo, and the Foire Internationale d’Alger.
Oil and Gas Cooperation
Beyond trade, the Vietnam Algeria trade relationship has deepened in the energy sector. In 2009, a tripartite joint venture was launched between Petrovietnam Exploration Production Corporation (PVEP), Sonatrach (Algeria’s national oil company), and PTTEP (Thailand’s Petroleum Exploration and Production Company).
The venture operates the Bir Seba oil field in Hassi Messaoud, Ouargla Province, approximately 600 km south of Algiers. Since production began in August 2015, the field has yielded nearly 57 million barrels by the end of 2024, with an average output of 17,500–18,000 barrels per day in early 2025. This collaboration is considered a cornerstone of Vietnam–Algeria energy cooperation.
Investment Opportunities and Strategic Cooperation
The Algerian government is inviting Vietnamese businesses to invest across multiple sectors, including agriculture, aquaculture, textiles, tourism, logistics, mining, pharmaceuticals, functional foods, construction, and labour supply.
Both Vietnam and Algeria occupy strategic locations, acting as regional gateways to neighbouring markets in Africa and Asia. Algeria, Africa’s largest country and the tenth largest globally, has a population of around 47 million and a GDP of roughly 260 billion USD, ranking fourth on the continent.
Agriculture contributes 14.7% of Algeria’s GDP, industry 42.3%, and services 43%, with the World Bank projecting 3.8% GDP growth for 2025. Algeria’s trade surplus in 2024 was 3.3 billion USD, largely driven by the oil and gas sector, which still represents nearly 30% of GDP and accounts for 90% of export revenues.
Future of Vietnam–Algeria Trade
The robust growth in Vietnam Algeria trade underscores the deepening bilateral partnership and opens pathways for greater collaboration in energy, agriculture, and investment sectors. Analysts note that continued engagement and joint ventures can further strengthen economic ties, benefiting both countries and enhancing regional trade connectivity.
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