Latest news with #SamirAbid
African Manager
08-05-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia and Nigeria move toward establishing joint business council
A visiting Nigerian delegation proposed creating a joint business council and increasing trade meetings between economic operators of both countries during talks Tuesday with Tunisian Minister of Trade and Export Development Samir Abid. The initiative aims to strengthen commercial exchanges between the two nations. The Nigerian delegation is participating in the 8th International Conference on 'Financing Investment and Trade in Africa' (FITA 2025) in Tunis on May 6-7, themed 'Driving Africa's Transformation.' In a Wednesday statement, the Commerce Ministry announced Tunisia's invitation to the 'Invest in Bauchi' summit scheduled for July 2025 in Nigeria. The event will provide Tunisian businesses with investment opportunities in Bauchi region, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure, and energy sectors. Discussions in Tunis also featured presentation of the proposed Tunisia-Libya continental land trade corridor to sub-Saharan Africa, which would connect Tunisia and Libya with six landlocked African countries including Niger, Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic. Tunisian and Nigerian operators emphasized enhancing bilateral cooperation to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. Both countries are participating in the AfCFTA Secretariat's Guided Trade Initiative (GTI). Nigeria holds a prominent position in Africa as the continent's largest economy by GDP and most populous nation.
African Manager
03-05-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia and COMESA Sign Competition Cooperation Agreement
Tunisia's competition authorities and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Competition Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday in Tunis to strengthen cooperation on antitrust enforcement and economic project oversight. The agreement, signed during a regional capacity-building workshop for competition authorities organized by COMESA, establishes a framework for joint efforts against anti-competitive practices, monitoring of economic project mergers and expertise and data exchange between Tunisia and COMESA member states. Minister of Trade and Export Development Samir Abid emphasized Tunisia's commitment to African economic integration and fair market practices, noting the workshop's recommendations could help modernize Tunisia's competition laws and institutions. Tunisia will host the 34th COMESA Competition Commission Council Meeting from May 1-3, 2025, bringing together regulators from the 21-member bloc. As Eastern and Southern Africa's largest regional economic community, COMESA comprises 21 nations including Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Somalia and Sudan, representing a combined market of 640+ million people.
African Manager
22-04-2025
- Business
- African Manager
How effective is trade defense for national industries?
At a workshop on 'Trade Defense Instruments' held Monday, April 21, at UTICA, Minister of Trade and Export Development Samir Abid emphasized the importance of equipping national industries with mechanisms to protect against unfair trade practices. The event marked the start of a nationwide campaign, with similar workshops scheduled for Bizerte (May 16, 2025), Gabes and Sfax (June 2025). Minister Abid stated that trade defense tools—permitted under World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements—allow member states to shield domestic industries from harmful import competition without violating international obligations. He pointed out that trade defense is in charge of investigating, researching and verifying all information obtained from importers, traders, producers, foreign exporters, associations and interested organizations, in accordance with law n° 98-106 of December 18, 1998 relating to import safeguard measures. Anti-dumping tool and unfair competition In accordance with Law No. 99-9 of 13 February 1999 on the defense against unfair import practices, this body also carries out investigations to determine the existence of alleged dumping or subsidization and to forecast its extent and impact. The tasks of the trade defense body, its composition and operating procedures are laid down by decree. On another subject, the Minister pointed out that 'Tunisia's experience in the field of trade defense is limited to the opening of a few investigations in the field of preventive measures, which led to the adoption of a single preventive measure in 2023, while no investigation has been opened in the field of anti-dumping or subsidies'. He added: 'The company benefiting from this measure was able to achieve an improvement in its results in 2024, and this will be specified in more detail at a later stage. According to Abid, there are several reasons for this limited experience, the most important of which are: – Tunisia's limited investigative authority in its current form, which is not in tune with the specific nature of work in the field of trade defense investigations. – The limited human and logistical resources allocated to the investigating body (5 executives in Tunisia versus 370 in Egypt / 34 in Morocco / 28 in Jordan / over 100 in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries). – Economic operators' unfamiliarity with this mechanism (…). For her part, Dorra Borgi, Director General of Foreign Trade, pointed out that Tunisia was the first Arab country to join the trade defense body. She pointed out that the mission of this new body is to investigate, research and verify all information obtained from importers, traders, producers, foreign exporters, associations and interested organizations.
African Manager
17-04-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: olive oil secures global spotlight as fourth-largest exporter
Tunisia is poised to promote sustainable economic development, drive agricultural innovation, and solidify its position as a leading global supplier of premium olive-derived products. The future of Tunisian olive oil appears brighter than ever, according to recent statements by Tunisian officials. Trade and Export Development Minister Samir Abid announced that Tunisia now ranks as the fourth-largest global exporter of olive oil, holding a 10% share of worldwide exports. Over the past five years, overseas sales have shown a consistent upward trend. 'Tunisian olive oil, renowned for its nutritional benefits, continues to stand out for its exceptional quality. Thanks to the relentless efforts of our producers and targeted promotional initiatives, it has cemented its place in international markets and shone at top global competitions, earning a record number of awards and medals, Abid stated. In 2024, Tunisia exported olive oil worth 4.8 billion dinars to 64 destinations, up from 55 markets in 2023. Key European buyers include Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, and Belgium. Abid highlighted that packaged olive oil exports now account for 21% of total exports, marking a 92% surge in 2024. He emphasized the sector's critical role in the national economy and its 'exceptional quality,' which positions it for significant growth in the EU and global markets. 'We are witnessing stronger export opportunities and direct partnerships between Tunisian businesses and European market players,' he added. New national program to boost global presence An ambitious 2025 National Program to promote Tunisian olive oil has been launched, featuring 20 promotional initiatives aimed at strengthening its foothold in traditional markets while exploring new opportunities. Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders—including the Export Promotion Center (CEPEX), PACKTEC, the National Olive Oil Office (ONH), the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts (UTICA), and olive heritage institutions—the program will focus on participation in international trade fairs, B2B meetings, overseas commercial days, and hosting potential buyers in Tunisia. 'These efforts will enhance global awareness and visibility of Tunisian olive oil in competitive markets,' Abid affirmed. Export revenue declines despite volume growth Despite rising export volumes, olive oil revenue for the first five months of the 2024/2025 campaign (ending March 2025) fell by 25.8% year-on-year to 2.126 billion dinars, according to the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI). The average price of olive oil dropped by 54% in March 2025 compared to the same month last year, ranging between 8 to 18.4 dinars per kilogram depending on grade. Export volumes, however, surged by 46.3% to 157,200 tons, with packaged oil representing just 10.2% of total exports. ONAGRI noted a stagnation in packaged oil exports compared to the previous campaign. Extra virgin olive oil dominated exports, making up 82.7% of total volume, while packaged oil contributed only 15.8% of revenue. Market distribution highlights EU dominance The EU remains the largest market for Tunisian olive oil, absorbing 60.8% of exports, followed by North America (23.2%) and Africa (9.8%). Italy leads as the top importer (29.8%), trailed by Spain (26.9%) and the United States (18.6%).
African Manager
06-02-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia, Algeria's top trading partner in Africa!
The prospects of Tunisian-Algerian cooperation in vital sectors, along with measures to update legislation facilitating the socio-economic integration of Tunisians and Algerians residing in both countries have always been a focus for the Tunisian and Algerian governments. In this context, many Algerian business leaders expressed their willingness, during the 4th edition of the Tunisian-Algerian Business Forum held on Monday, to develop the partnership between the two countries, strengthen trade relations, and implement economic projects. The 4th edition of the Tunisian-Algerian Business Forum was organized on Monday at the initiative of the Northwest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as part of the celebration of the 67th anniversary of the Sidi Youssef events, which took place on February 8, 1958. Strengthening trade relations During the opening of the forum, Tunisian Minister of Trade and Export Development, Samir Abid, emphasized the strong political will of both countries' leaders to support trade relations and launch investment projects that could promote economic cooperation, particularly at border crossings. Abid noted that economic actors are creating more opportunities for the implementation of development or economic projects in both Tunisia and Algeria. In the same context, the minister highlighted the firm and sincere commitment of both countries' leaders to explore the best ways to boost joint cooperation while fostering networking between businesses and creating an investment-friendly climate. $1.7 billion in bilateral trade Tunisia has emerged as Algeria's leading trading partner on the African continent. In 2023, bilateral trade reached $1.7 billion, with Algerian exports to Tunisia valued at $1.4 billion. These exchanges are primarily focused on industrial products such as cement, sugar, and steel products. While Tunisia holds a prominent place in Algeria's trade relations, other African countries also contribute to this growth dynamic. South Africa, with $330 million in trade, and Egypt, with $290 million, are among Algeria's key partners. Algerian exports to these countries include agricultural products, manufactured goods, and industrial equipment. It is worth noting that Algeria and Tunisia have entered a new phase of cooperation and partnership since 2021. The two countries have signed a significant number of agreements aimed at expanding and consolidating areas of cooperation and partnership for the benefit of both nations. These agreements cover various sectors, including justice, environment, energy, fisheries, startups, the pharmaceutical industry, and the development of border regions. Additionally, according to Algerian media, Foued Eloued, the representative of the Tunisian National Tourism Office in Algeria, announced a 15.6% increase in the number of Algerians visiting Tunisia in 2024 compared to 2023. Tunisia and Algeria share a common history, language, culture, and ancestral traditions, creating a sense of familiarity that attracts Algerian tourists. Furthermore, geographical proximity and excellent value for money add to this attractive picture, according to the same source.
