Latest news with #TradeandExportDevelopment
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
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%).
Hi Dubai
20-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE and Tunisia Initiate CEPA Talks to Strengthen Trade and Investment Ties
The UAE and Tunisia have officially commenced negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to enhance trade and investment flows between the two nations. In a virtual meeting, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Samir Obeid, Tunisia's Minister of Trade and Export Development, reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral economic cooperation. The proposed CEPA aims to reduce trade barriers, enhance market access, and establish strategic investment pathways across key sectors, fostering economic integration. Al Zeyoudi highlighted Tunisia's economic potential and emphasized that the UAE is Tunisia's leading trade partner in the GCC. Non-oil trade between the two nations reached US$350 million in 2024, reflecting a 7.7% growth from the previous year. He described the CEPA as a pivotal step toward unlocking new trade and investment opportunities. Obeid echoed this sentiment, stating that the agreement would provide a comprehensive framework for cooperation, driving mutual growth and benefiting priority sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy. The UAE and Tunisia will now negotiate specific CEPA provisions, aiming for a balanced and mutually beneficial deal. This initiative aligns with the UAE's strategy to expand global trade partnerships, contributing to its record US$816 billion total trade in 2024, a 14.6% increase from 2023. With the potential to boost foreign investment and expand market access, the CEPA is set to strengthen UAE-Tunisia economic ties, fostering long-term prosperity for both nations. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Dubai Eye
20-03-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE, Tunisia launch CEPA negotiations
The UAE and Tunisia have announced the start of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to strengthen bilateral trade and investment. The CEPA aims to reduce tariffs and trade barriers, improve market access, and create new investment pathways across key sectors. In a virtual meeting, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and Tunisia's Minister of Trade and Export Development, Samir Obeid, emphasised the benefits of CEPA, which will serve as a strategic framework to boost trade, investment and collaboration between the countries. Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted Tunisia as a valuable trade partner, noting that the UAE is Tunisia's top trade partner in the GCC region, with non-oil trade reaching $350 million in 2024, a 7.7 per cent growth from the previous year. Minister Obeid emphasized that the negotiations would pave the way for an innovative economic cooperation framework, benefiting both nations and opening up new opportunities for joint ventures, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing and renewable energy sectors. The UAE and Tunisia will now proceed to negotiate the specific chapters and provisions covered by the CEPA to deliver a balanced and fair deal. The initiation of negotiations with Tunisia aligns with the UAE's broader strategy to double the size of its economy and further expand its role in international trade. With 26 CEPAs concluded and numerous agreements already in force, the programme has played a crucial role in enhancing access to high-growth markets, contributing significantly to the UAE's total trade that, in 2024, reached an all-time high of $816 billion, marking a 14.6 per cent increase over 2023.
