Dhaka, Algiers seek cooperation in energy, fertiliser, agriculture

Bangladesh and Algeria have discussed cooperation in diverse sectors, including energy, fertiliser, agriculture, textiles, trade, commerce, education and people to people contacts. 

Both countries discussed ways to further promote bilateral trade and investment in the energy sector.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Algeria’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf discussed the issues at a bilateral meeting in Algiers on Thursday, according to a press release.

Referring to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) recently signed between Bangladesh and Algeria on hydrocarbon cooperation, Humaiun said the engagement has opened a new horizon for Bangladesh to import liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other petroleum products from the North African country under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement.

It also created opportunities to work jointly to develop refineries, LNG infrastructure, and to explore coal and gas fields in Bangladesh, he said.

The Algerian Petroleum Institute expressed interest in providing training and knowledge-sharing programmes for Bangladeshi engineers and technicians in the field of energy, to help develop self-reliance energy skills in Bangladesh. 

Algerian Foreign Minister Attaf said the Algerian president gave his instant directives for signing the MoU on a priority basis in response to the need of Bangladesh for energy.

While referring to Bangladesh's need to import fertiliser to support its agriculture sector, Attaf said Algeria would like to collaborate with Bangladesh in this sector. 

He sought Bangladesh’s experience in reviving the textile industry of Algeria, and expressed interest in cooperation with Bangladesh in the fields of pharmaceuticals, leather and textiles. 

Both sides underscored the importance of holding regular Foreign Office Consultations. 

The next round of consultation is expected to be held in Dhaka soon.

The two sides discussed the importance of exchanging high-level visits to further consolidate bilateral relations between the two countries.