Unlocking the market for Vietnamese agricultural products

As Viet Nam aggressively diversifies its markets, including the African region, Algeria - a major economy in North Africa, is seen as a potential gateway for Vietnamese agricultural products. On this occasion, Viet Nam Agriculture and Nature News spoke with Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria, Tran Quoc Khanh, about the opportunities, challenges, and necessary strategies for Vietnamese goods to conquer this market.

- Mr. Ambassador, Algeria is considered one of the largest economies in North Africa with diverse agricultural import demands. How do you assess the opportunity for Vietnamese agricultural products, especially items like coffee, pepper, rice, and seafood, to expand their market share here?

In 2024, trade turnover between Vietnam and Algeria reached USD 220 million. In the first half of 2025 alone, this figure hit USD 280 million, reflecting a positive growth momentum.

Algeria produces many high-quality fruits itself. However, Algerian consumers are also very fond of tropical fruits and fruit-derived products. Promotional events for agricultural products organized by the Embassy recently showed that Vietnamese coffee, longan, lychee, dried fruits, and coconut products are highly popular. Vietnamese businesses can also collaborate to import high-quality dates and olive oil from Algeria.

Based on the traditional friendship between the two countries, coupled with the advantages of quality, competitive pricing, and the reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products, agricultural cooperation is certainly a very promising area in bilateral relations, and Algeria is a potential market for Vietnamese produce. However, due to Algeria’s policy restricting the import of finished goods, so far, only imported raw coffee has managed to penetrate the Algerian market.

Authorities in both countries have recognized this potential and are actively exploring ways to expand agricultural cooperation in the near future. I believe that in the near future, the key agricultural products of both countries will secure a deserving position in each other's markets.

- Despite the immense potential, Viet Nam's export turnover to Algeria and the North African region remains modest. What do you believe are the main difficulties preventing Vietnamese agricultural products from penetrating deeper? Is this due to logistics, payment issues, or technical barriers and limited market information?

Although trade relations between Viet Nam and Algeria have maintained positive growth in recent years, two-way trade in the first nine months of 2025 tripled compared to the same period in 2024, the scale remains quite modest relative to the potential. The main reasons stem from policy barriers, logistics, and payment procedures.

First, Algeria's policy of domestic production protection remains strict, especially in the areas of agricultural products, processed foods, and consumer goods. The Algerian Government prioritizes the import of items necessary for production or products not yet manufactured domestically, while applying various restrictive measures to protect local businesses, making it difficult for Vietnamese goods to expand their market share.

Second, the administrative procedures, import licensing, and international payment regulations are complex, requiring businesses to thoroughly understand the laws and have reliable local partners.

Third, there is currently no direct shipping route between Viet Nam and North Africa, necessitating transshipment through European or Middle Eastern ports. This not only increases costs and prolongs delivery times but also reduces the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods compared to those from China or Europe, which benefit from proximity and logistics networks.

Overcoming these challenges requires joint effort from both the government and enterprises. Currently, authorities in both countries are actively working to create a more favorable legal framework for agricultural cooperation in general, including the import and export of key agricultural products from both sides. I sincerely hope Vietnamese businesses will further promote their proactive and creative spirit to enter the Algerian market.

- What specific solutions are needed from the State, businesses, and diplomatic missions, especially in trade promotion, partner connection, and national brand building, to help Vietnamese agricultural products dominate the Algerian market and the wider North African region in the near future?

I believe a more synchronous and proactive approach among the Government, enterprises, and diplomatic missions is necessary.

On the part of the Government, it needs to continue: (i) Strengthening delegation exchanges and promoting bilateral cooperation mechanisms, while enhancing market information support and national trade promotion directed at this region. (ii) Taking measures to boost certain priority areas in agricultural cooperation (where Algeria has demand and Viet Nam has capability), such as applying science and technology in cultivation, product processing, seed research, and aquaculture. (iii) Facilitating travel and trade, especially for businesses and investors wishing to attend trade fairs or conduct market research in Viet Nam.

For businesses, they should: (i) Focus on improving quality, traceability, and packaging/labeling (in French/Arabic), and registering for Halal standards to align with local consumer culture. (ii) Proactively send delegations to explore the market and study the feasibility of joint ventures for production investment in Algeria. (iii) Establish a comprehensive, long-term plan, including selecting partners, business models, product introduction, and building long-term distribution networks, rather than merely engaging in sporadic exports.

As for the diplomatic missions, we will intensify the provision of market information, continue to act as a bridge, and help resolve difficulties for businesses on both sides. We will also participate in and encourage businesses from both countries to attend major trade fairs, organize business connection forums, and promote Vietnamese goods in the area alongside Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and martial arts.

Algeria is emerging as a market with significant potential for Vietnamese agricultural products, with estimated annual imports of agricultural and food products totaling around USD 10 billion. Despite limited arable land, this North African nation has a high demand for tropical products like coffee, dried fruits, coconut, and seafood, all of which are Vietnamese strengths.

With a population of over 45 million and an average agricultural growth rate of 4% per year, Algeria continues to be seen as the "gateway" for Vietnamese agricultural products to expand their presence in North Africa, especially as the two countries strengthen cooperation on logistics, payment, and trade promotion.