Latest news with #RoderickDrummond
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UK's Ambassador points out untapped business opportunities for Tunisian companies in UK
Tunis – There are significant untapped business opportunities for Tunisian companies in the UK, particularly in the technology and textile sectors, said UK's Ambassador to Tunisia Roderick Drummond. Speaking in an interview at TAP's studio, the ambassador pointed out the potential for deeper commercial ties and mutual investment. 'Technology is a real area of strength for Tunisia,' said Drummond, adding that there are 'substantial opportunities to link up with British firms and to get more investment into Tunisian firms in that sector – for example, fintech.' He spoke about the recent events that have prompted the UK to get interested in the Tunisian innovation, saying: 'there was a week in London just recently during which Tunisian tech firms there showcased their innovations.' Efforts are underway to connect Tunisian companies more effectively with London's capital markets in order to boost investment, he added. There is 'real promise for young – and not so young – engineers, entrepreneurs and scientists' in tech-related fields, Drummond considered. As regards textiles, the ambassador estimated that Tunisia's longstanding reputation for 'quality and craftsmanship' can be further leveraged. By combining that tradition with 'innovative design and sustainable practices,' Tunisia could meet growing UK's demand for ethical and high-quality fashion products. 'We are always looking to tap into opportunities in the UK,' he specified. Drummond also announced that ten Tunisian tech startups will participate in London Tech Week in June, where they will showcase their work on a dedicated Tunisian stand, describing the event as 'one of the biggest events in the global tech calendar,' and said it will be supported by CONECT International and the Tunisia-British Chamber of Commerce. 'I think they will make fantastic connections with the globe through that event in London,' he said, noting that the UK is about to unveil a new industrial strategy aimed at streamlining business operations and unlocking investment opportunities. 'We are looking to encourage investment in both directions, which I think is important,' he underlined, adding: 'Britain is back. Britain really is open for business.' Drummond mentioned the recent agreements signed by the UK with the European Union, India, and the United States, which, he said, shows a 'real opening' in the UK's global trade posture. 'We are open to Tunisia as well,' he concluded.
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UK's Ambassador: Tunisia well-placed to attract more British tourists with diversified offer
Tunis – United Kingdom's Ambassador to Tunisia Roderick Drummond vioced optimism about the growth of British tourism to Tunisia, underscoring both the rising visitors' number and a growing interest in more diversified travel experiences. Speaking to TAP in an interview at the agency's studio, the ambassador said Tunisia is on track to welcome 11 million visitors this year, including a significant increase from the UK. 'The number of the British people coming is going up. It will be 400,000 in the course of this year—it was up 60% last year. They are coming back in a high number,' he stated. Drummond pointed out a shift in British tourist preferences, with more travellers—particularly students and families—seeking personalised and unique holidays rather than traditional package tours. 'I think there are more of our students of different ages, different family circumstances, who are looking for independent holidays or looking for something special, which Tunisia can offer,' he said. He highlighted Tunisia's potential in niche tourism segments, citing ecotourism, wellness and spa experiences, as well as the country's rich cultural heritage, Mediterranean climate, and renowned cuisine. 'I think there is a real scope to take the tourism offer upmarket,' the ambassador underlined, welcoming the recent launch of a new promotional campaign by the Ministry of Tourism aimed at repositioning Tunisia's image abroad. 'Tunisia has more to offer than just sunshine and beautiful beaches. There is a lot going on here, and I think that is what a lot of our tourists want,' he added. Drummond also commended the progress in air connectivity between the two countries. 'Currently, we have got between 56 and 68 flights to Enfidha per week, and four flights to Djerba. More are being added in the course of this year, in addition to the direct flights from London to Tunis-Carthage," he specified. © Tap 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UK-Tunisia trade up by 20% in 2024, says UK's Ambassador
Tunisia – Trade between the United Kingdom (UK) and Tunisia is witnessing 'significant growth,' edging up by 20% in 2024 to nearly £750 million, UK's Ambassador to Tunisia Roderick Drummond said in an interview with TAP. He attributed this growth to deepening bilateral ties under the framework of the UK-Tunisia Association Agreement, signed in 2021, which provides preferential treatment for a wide range of products and facilitates enhanced market access. 'We are connected by an Association Agreement which ensures that both sides can benefit from reduced tariffs and enhanced market access,' he said, pointing out that the two countries are currently reviewing several aspects of the agreement to improve its effectiveness. The ambassador underlined that particular attention is now lent to the agricultural chapter of the agreement, aimed at increasing "Tunisian exports to the UK such as olive oil and expanding British inputs into Tunisia's agri-business sector." 'That review should be concluded in the coming months, and [we] hope that it will be signed between the two governments at that time,' Drummond added. The visit of UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Tunisia in January had affirmed the UK's commitment to scaling up cooperation with Tunisia, especially in priority fields such as trade, education, and renewable energy, he indicated. 'Our relationship goes back nearly four centuries, but things continue to move forward and thrive across many fronts,' the ambassador said. © Tap 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
