Algeria-China Trade Surpasses $10 Billion in 2023

✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | August 2nd, 2024 —  In a notable development in Algeria-China relations, bilateral trade exceeded the $10 billion mark in 2023, marking a significant milestone. This achievement was announced by Chinese Ambassador to Algeria, Li Jian, during a ceremony at the Chinese embassy in Algiers celebrating the 97th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army of China.

Ambassador Li Jian underscored China’s role as a pivotal trading partner for Algeria, highlighting ongoing strategic collaborations such as the Gara Djebilet-Bechar railway project. He also noted the burgeoning cooperation in emerging sectors including digitalization and renewable energy. According to the ambassador, the global strategic partnership between Algeria and China has reached unprecedented levels, facilitated by the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In his address, Ambassador Li Jian expressed admiration for Algeria’s historical struggle for liberation, commending the moudjahidine of the War of Liberation as emblematic of enduring bilateral friendship. He also praised the collaborative efforts between the Algerian National People’s Army (ANP) and its Chinese counterpart.

Addressing the Palestinian cause, Ambassador Li reiterated Beijing’s commitment to resolving divisions and supporting Palestinian national unity, aligning with Algeria’s reconciliation efforts.

Further underscoring the strengthening ties between the two nations, a delegation from China’s Xinjiang region is set to visit Algiers next week. This visit highlights the ongoing expansion of cooperation and partnership between Algeria and China.

Sneak Peek into Algerian-Chinese Relations: A Historic Partnership

Algeria and China have cultivated a robust relationship, marked by mutual support and extensive cooperation. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2018, the two nations have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing their partnership.

Historical Support and Diplomatic Milestones

China provided significant support to Algeria during its liberation struggle against colonial rule in the 1950s, despite its own challenging circumstances. China was the first non-Arab country to recognize the Algerian interim government in September 1958, and full diplomatic relations were established on December 20 of the same year.

From 1958 to 1962, China aided the National Liberation Army (NLA) with weapons and funding. Post-independence, China sent a medical team to Algeria in April 1963, the first of its kind in Africa. Since then, over 2,800 Chinese medical personnel have contributed to Algeria’s healthcare sector.

Deepening Cooperation and Support

Between 1963 and 1975, China and Algeria signed approximately twenty agreements covering various fields such as economic and technical cooperation, health, and military collaboration. In 2003, following a major earthquake in Algeria, China promptly dispatched a rescue team.

Algeria played a crucial role in restoring China’s legitimate seat in the United Nations in the early 1970s. The two countries have maintained strong support for each other on major international issues, reinforcing their commitment to global peace and justice.

Strengthening Ties Through High-Level Visits

Frequent high-level exchanges have characterized the bilateral relationship. Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Algeria in February 2004, and Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika visited China in November 2006. These visits resulted in several accords and the establishment of a China-Algeria strategic cooperation framework.

Economic and Commercial Expansion

Since the early 2000s, trade between Algeria and China has surged from under $200 million to $10 billion mark in 2023. China has become Algeria’s leading market in the Maghreb, and the two nations’ economic ties continue to grow. China is a major supplier of machinery, textiles, and metals to Algeria, while Algeria exports mineral products, textiles, and metals to China.

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

In 2014, the bilateral relationship was elevated to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” a milestone in Sino-Arab relations. This partnership aims to enhance exchanges, mutual trust, and pragmatic cooperation. The latest five-year strategic cooperation plan (2022-2026) further solidifies this commitment.

Major Projects and Humanitarian Efforts

Chinese investments in Algeria include landmark projects, such as the Sheraton Hotel and the Great Mosque of Algiers (Djamaa El Djazair), completed in 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Algeria and China cooperated extensively, with China supplying medical equipment and vaccines to Algeria.

In summary, the Algerian-Chinese relationship is characterized by deep historical ties, significant economic cooperation, and a shared commitment to mutual support and development.

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