ALGIERS — Algeria and China on Oct 16 signed a framework cooperation agreement to boost industry cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement was inked by Algerian Industry Minister Abdeslam Bouchouareb and visiting Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Qian Keming.

The deal will establish a solid partnership with China in several industry sectors, including engineering, railways, household appliances, oil industry, infrastructure and renewable energy, Bouchouareb told reporters on the sidelines of the signing ceremony.

For his part, the Chinese official deemed Algeria as “one of the most attractive nations in Africa,” saying China is looking forward to further developing its partnership with Algeria.

“This agreement will provide this opportunity,” he said.

Algerian-Chinese relations were given a new impetus thanks to the comprehensive strategic partnership established in 2014.

According to Algerian Customs figures, China is the largest commercial supplier of Algeria in 2015, with $8.22 billion out of a total of $51.5 billion import bill of this North African nation.