President Tebboune Leads High-Level Delegation to Bolster Economic Ties and Innovation Partnerships with China in Shenzhen’s Technological Hub
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a significant step towards fostering stronger bilateral relations and promoting economic cooperation, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria arrived in Shenzhen, the vibrant technological city in southern China. This momentous state visit comes at the invitation of his counterpart, President Xi Jinping, and marks a pivotal turning point in the partnership between Algeria and the People’s Republic of China.
Early this morning, President Tebboune’s delegation, comprising key ministers, landed in Shenzhen, where they were warmly welcomed by Chinese officials. The visit aims to deepen the longstanding friendship between the two nations and pave the way for enhanced cooperation in cutting-edge technology and innovation.
The Algerian President’s choice to visit Shenzhen is particularly noteworthy, given the city’s reputation as a global innovation and technology hub. With its exceptional growth in recent decades, Shenzhen stands as a prime example of China’s remarkable achievements in science and technology, making it an ideal destination for exploring potential synergies in various fields.
Algerian-Chinese Relations
Algeria and China have enjoyed a longstanding and robust bilateral relationship, which celebrated its 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2018. The bond between the two nations has stood the test of time and continues to exhibit strong momentum for further growth and cooperation.
Historical Background
The relationship between China and Algeria dates back to the 1950s, when China actively supported Algeria’s liberation struggle against colonial rule. Despite facing challenges in its own development, China provided political, economic, and military assistance to Algeria. In September 1958, China became the first non-Arab country to recognize the Algerian interim government, establishing full diplomatic ties later that year. China’ support extended beyond recognition, with the provision of weapons and funding to the National Liberation Army. Moreover, China sent its first medical team to Algeria in April 1963, marking the beginning of extensive healthcare cooperation.
Key Milestones
Over the years, Algeria and China have deepened their cooperation through various agreements and joint initiatives. Between 1963 and 1975, approximately twenty agreements were signed, covering areas such as economic and technical cooperation, health, culture, communication, and science. In May 2003, China swiftly responded to an earthquake in Algeria by dispatching a rescue team to aid in the recovery efforts. Algeria has also played a crucial role in supporting China’s diplomatic position, including sponsoring a resolution that allowed China to regain its seat in the United Nations Security Council.
High-Level Exchanges
The relationship between the two countries has been characterized by frequent visits and close contact between top leaders. In February 2004, Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Algeria at the invitation of his Algerian counterpart, the late Abdelaziz Bouteflika. During this visit, the leaders discussed bilateral ties and regional and international issues and signed agreements to enhance cooperation. In November 2006, President Bouteflika reciprocated by paying a state visit to China and attending the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, further solidifying the strategic cooperative ties between the two nations.
Economic and Commercial Cooperation
Economic and trade cooperation between Algeria and China has witnessed substantial growth and diversification. Since the early 2000s, the volume of trade has increased significantly, reaching $9.1 billion in 2018. Algeria has emerged as China’s leading market in the Maghreb region, while China has become Algeria’s top supplier since 2013, surpassing France. During 2020, China had a large net trade with Algeria in the exports of Machines ($1.83B), Textiles ($924M), and Metals ($814M). During 2020, Algeria had a large net trade with China in the exports of Mineral Products ($869M), Textiles ($13.5M), and Metals ($3.57M).
In 2014, the Sino-Algerian bilateral relationship was elevated to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the first of its kind in the Sino-Arab world. Chinese top political advisor, Yu Zhengsheng, stated the goals of this partnership were to “enhance exchanges at all levels, cement political mutual trust and promote pragmatic cooperation” between the two nations. In 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping echoed similar rhetoric, pledging to help promote further development of the partnership and continue the trend towards closer diplomatic ties.
Chinese Enterprises in Algeria
Numerous large Chinese enterprises have expanded their business operations in Algeria across various sectors. These include road and housing construction, telecommunications, energy, water resources, and transportation. Chinese investment and involvement in these sectors have contributed to Algeria’s infrastructure development and economic growth.
The Sheraton Hotel, built by a Chinese company, is now a major landmark in the capital city, while the expressway under construction that will link Algeria’s east and west will also become a key strategic artery for the North African countries and the littoral states of the Mediterranean Sea.
In 2019, after seven years of construction and over $1 billion in expenses, China finalized the Great Mosque of Algiers. The Great Mosque of Algiers, or Djamaa El Djazair, sits on an area of 400,000 square meters and has a 265-meter (870-foot) minaret that houses observation decks. The compound’s domed sanctuary and outside courtyard overlooking the Bay of Algiers can house up to 120,000 worshippers, and it has an underground parking space with a capacity of 7,000 cars.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Algeria sent urgent medical aid to Beijing in February 2020. In March 2020, China started to deliver tons of medical equipment to Algeria, including respirators, medical protective clothes, and screening kits. It also materialized the first cooperation project in the field of vaccine production in Algeria. In February 2021, the Chinese government donated 200,000 doses of the SINOPHARM vaccine to Algeria, followed by nearly 3.2 million doses of the SINOVAC vaccine through “COVAX”. The Chinese company SINOVAC BIOTECH has signed a contract with Algeria for 15 million doses of vaccines, and the first dose of vaccine manufactured in Constantine has left the production lines. The RAYANOX medical oxygen production unit produced its first liter of oxygen in Oran in September 2021.
To conclude, Algerian-Chinese relations have remained strong and resilient over the years, characterized by mutual understanding, support, and cooperation. The historical ties forged during Algeria’s struggle for independence have paved the way for extensive collaboration across various sectors. Economic and commercial cooperation between the two nations has flourished, with China becoming Algeria’s leading supplier and significant investments from Chinese enterprises in key sectors. As both countries continue to strengthen their partnership, Algerian-Chinese relations are poised to achieve even greater heights, fostering mutual prosperity and development.
