Algeria's national hydrocarbon resources valuation agency, ALNAFT, and Vietnam Oil and Gas Exploration Production Corporation (PVEP) have signed two study agreements. The agreements were signed on October 7, 2026, in Oran, on the sidelines of the 14th edition of the Energy and Hydrogen Conference for Africa and the Mediterranean Basin, NAPEC-2026. The agreements focus on improving hydrocarbon recovery in the Rhourde El Baguel and Bir El Aïssa fields in the Berkine region of southeastern Algeria.
The agreements were signed by ALNAFT's President-Director General, Abdelkader Cherfaoui, and Vietnam's Ambassador to Algeria, Vu Duy Long. The Vietnamese ambassador described the agreements as a concrete step in strengthening cooperation between Vietnamese and Algerian enterprises in the hydrocarbon sector. He emphasized that Algeria is a significant partner for Vietnam in Africa, with considerable potential for cooperation in the energy sector.
The two agreements have a duration of 12 months each and aim to optimize the exploitation of discovered hydrocarbon resources while improving recovery rates. They involve evaluating technical possibilities to increase hydrocarbon recovery in the two fields by analyzing available data and studying reservoir behavior. This collaboration seeks to enhance the extraction of hydrocarbons from existing reserves.
The agreements align with Algeria's efforts to maximize the value of its hydrocarbon resources. By partnering with international companies like PVEP, Algeria aims to leverage expertise and technology to improve recovery rates from existing fields. This approach is part of a broader strategy to maintain and increase hydrocarbon production in the country.
NAPEC-2026, where the agreements were signed, is a significant event for the energy sector in Africa and the Mediterranean. The conference brings together industry stakeholders to discuss trends, innovations, and partnerships in the energy and hydrogen sectors. Algeria's participation and the signing of these agreements highlight the country's proactive approach to fostering international cooperation in energy.
The hydrocarbon sector is a crucial component of Algeria's economy, and efforts to optimize production and recovery are of national importance. By collaborating with experienced companies like PVEP, Algeria can benefit from advanced technologies and expertise. This partnership with Vietnam's PVEP is expected to contribute to the country's goals in the energy sector.
The agreements between ALNAFT and PVEP mark a new phase in Algerian-Vietnamese cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector. As both countries seek to enhance their energy capabilities, such partnerships are likely to play a significant role. The outcomes of these studies could set a precedent for future collaborations and projects in the region.
Key points
- Algeria's ALNAFT and Vietnam's PVEP have signed two study agreements to improve hydrocarbon recovery in the Berkine region.
- The agreements aim to optimize the exploitation of discovered hydrocarbon resources and improve recovery rates.
- The partnership is part of Algeria's strategy to leverage international expertise and technology in the energy sector.
