Federation of Indian Export Organisations partakes in Djazagro with 26 Indian companies
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The 20th Edition of the International Trade Show for Food Production Djazagro, one of the most important trade event in the agri-food sector in Algeria offering a wide range of products from raw material to machineries, is taking place from 5-8 June 2023 at SAFEX, Algiers.
According to a press release issued by the Indian embassy in Algeria, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, FIEO, a private organisation set up under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India for promoting trade, investments and collaboration between India and other countries, is participating in this year’s edition of Djazagro with 26 Indian companies. These companies showcasing diverse products are from sectors such as food processing plants and solutions, automatic packaging machines, and products such as rice, spices, oil seeds, pulses and beans.
The Ambassador of India to Algeria Mr. Gaurav Ahluwalia inaugurated the Indian Pavillion at Hall ‘A’ with the presence of the representative of FIEO and the organisers of the Show, Promosalons on 5 June 2023.
The bilateral trade between India and Algeria were estimated at US$ 2.1 billion in 2022. Such exchanges are expected to contribute to greater India-Algeria trade, investment and collaboration.
Algerian-Indian Relations: A Strong and Enduring Bond
Algeria and India, two countries with rich cultural heritage and a shared history of anti-colonial struggles, have maintained diplomatic relations for more than half a century. Over the years, the bilateral ties between both countries have deepened and diversified, covering wide-ranging areas such as politics, trade, defense, culture, and education. With Algeria being one of the key African economies and India being a major regional power in South Asia, the potential for enhancing cooperation between the two countries is immense.
The relationship between India and Algeria dates back to a time before Algeria’s independence in 1962. India supported the Algerian Independence Movement, represented by the National Liberation Front (NLF), and even hosted them. Since then, the two nations have maintained a solid bond of fraternity and friendship, drawn from a shared militant journey.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1962, the same year Algeria gained independence from France. Since then, their relationship has been characterized by cordiality and mutual support on vital issues at both bilateral and multilateral levels. Presidential visits have been consistently exchanged to further strengthen cooperation and coordination.
In addition to these efforts, both countries have signed several agreements to promote economic cooperation and protect their respective territories. These agreements include the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, the Phytosanitary Agreement, the Veterinary Sanitation Protocol, and the Air Service Agreement.
The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, signed in January 2001, aims to prevent fiscal evasion and avoid double taxation on income and capital. The Phytosanitary Agreement, also signed in January 2001, establishes cooperation in the fields of quarantine and protection of natural vegetation. The Veterinary Sanitation Protocol, signed in the same year, enhances cooperation between the veterinary authorities of both countries to facilitate commercial exchanges of animals and animal-based products while preserving their respective territories from diseases. Finally, the Air Service Agreement, signed in 2000, improves connectivity between the two countries.
In October 2003, the Press Trust of India and the Algerian Press Service signed an agreement to promote cooperation and professional interaction between the two countries. This was followed by an agreement on cooperation in small and medium-scale enterprises as well as a cultural exchange program, both signed in the same month, with the aim of strengthening cultural relations between India and Algeria. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Foreign Office Consultations was signed in October 2000.
In terms of bilateral assistance and cooperation, the Government of India committed to providing US$1 million in humanitarian assistance for the victims of the earthquake that struck Algeria in May 2003. In April of 2004, medicines worth half a million US dollars were handed over, and the balance was provided in the form of construction steel for the houses of the victims in October of 2006. Furthermore, the Indian Space Agency launched the Algerian satellite Alsat 2A into orbit in July 2010.
The Government of Algeria expressed its appreciation in writing for India’ support in removing Tipaza, a historical site located about 100 kilometers from Algiers, from the danger list of the World Heritage Committee during the UNESCO meeting in August of 2006. Algeria also supported India’s non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council in 2010.
In terms of military cooperation, Algerian defense personnel regularly participate in courses in India every year. On August 29, 2021, both sides conducted joint naval exercises to enhance maritime cooperation, with the Indian stealth ship INS Tabar and the Algerian naval ship ANS Ezager conducting drills off the coast of Algeria.
In August of last year, the Indian Navy’s INS TABAR, a frontline frigate, engaged in a bilateral passage exercise (PASSEX) with the Algerian Naval Force Ship EZZADJER. This joint exercise was designed to facilitate professional interactions, the sharing of best practices, and communication drills at sea between the two naval forces.
In addition to this exercise, the two countries also participated in a cultural exchange program, which saw various cultural troupes from both India and Algeria participate in a range of events. These included the India-Africa Forum Summit held in New Delhi, the Indian Painting Exhibition ‘Women by Women’, the Deserts People Festival in Algeria, Algerian films in New Delhi, and the Tlemcen Cultural Capital of the Islamic World.
Furthermore, as part of the Indian Foreign Affairs Ministry’s initiative “Bharat-Ek Parichay: Sharing Knowledge with the World,”, the Embassy of India in Algeria contributed a number of books on Indian art, culture, and values to the Algiers University 1 and 2 libraries in 2018. This initiative aims to enhance the connection between the peoples of both countries and foster a better understanding of India.
From an economic standpoint, the Algerian state-owned company Sonatrach recently signed a $1 billion contract with India’s Larsen & Toubro to construct gas production plants capable of producing 11 million cubic meters of gas per day. Additionally, the Algerian limited liability company (LLC) LD Azouaou and the Indian Group Mahindra Mahindra LTD established a joint venture in 2018 in the province of Tizi-Ouzou to assemble farm tractors. This is just one example of the diverse areas of cooperation between India and Algeria, which also include space exploration.
In 2016, the Satich Dahwan Space Center’s launcher PSLV C-35 successfully launched eight satellites, including three Algerian ones: Alsat-1B, Alsat-2B, and Alsat-1N. Two years later, the governments of Algeria and India signed a cooperation agreement in the fields of science, technology, and space applications. This agreement builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2006, which focused on cooperation in training. Thanks to this partnership, 20 Algerian engineers were able to attend Master’s degree courses in space applications and advanced training in space telecommunications and geo-information.
The installation of the “Algeria-India” parliamentary friendship group in Algiers, under the leadership of the vice-speaker of the People’s National Assembly (APN), Boualem Bousmaha, marks a significant step towards strengthening the parliamentary relationship between the two nations. The event was attended by the president of the Commission for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and the Community abroad, Abdelkader Abdellaoui, the then Indian Ambassador in Algiers, Satbir Singh, and a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This installation is a crucial platform for fostering closer ties and cooperation with India, a friendly nation, and translating the significant interest that Algeria has placed on parliamentary diplomacy as a vector of official diplomacy. This approach is part of the reform project that the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, is working towards, with the aim of building a new Republic and a promising Algeria that remains true to its principles and commitments.
In conclusion, the relationship between India and Algeria is a testament to the enduring bond of friendship and cooperation between two nations. As they continue to work together on vital issues, their relationship is sure to grow stronger and more prosperous in the years to come.
