Tunisia-China Partnership: Nations ink deal to offer China lead on infrastructure projects

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Europe

02:42

According to Tunisian officials, Chinese companies will have priority in the North African country's harbour and railway infrastructure projects. Several agreements were inked between Tunisian and Chinese companies at the Tunisian-Chinese Business Forum. CGTN's Adnen Chaouachi has more on the story.

The Tunisian-Chinese Business Forum was held in Tunis. The minister of Investment said the level of Chinese investment in Tunisia is still very low and does not reflect the relations between both countries.

ZIED LADHARI TUNISIAN INVESTMENT MINISTER "The overall volume of Chinese investment in Tunisia does not surpass $6 million. Eleven Chinese companies are currently based in Tunisia. The volume of trade between both countries reached about $1.6 billion in 2018, We are willing to increase trade and economic cooperation with China."

According to Chinese officials, Tunisia is considered as a gateway to Africa and Europe. The Chinese officials proposed boosting co-operation so as to develop basic infrastructure in Tunisia.

RAYMOND WU CHINA CHAMBER OF INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE "This time we bring the delegation to Tunisia. Our delegates find great potentiality for the cooperation between Tunisia business people and China's business people. A lot of companies are here. Some of them are construction companies, infrastructure, construction companies. They are among the biggest in China."

The Vice-President of the Confederation of businessmen UTICA pointed out that several foods and industrial products, such as wires and automotive components can access the Chinese market.

HICHEM ELLOUMI, VICE PRESIDENT, UTICA "We recommend the implementation of a Chinese financing line that will help Tunisian enterprises buy Chinese cutting-edge equipment with affordable prices. In addition, Tunisian exports to China must be boosted."

Tunisian enterprises will partake in three international economic events organized by China in 2019, namely the China International Import Expo, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and the China-Arab States Expo.

ADNEN CHAOUACHI TUNIS, TUNISIA "The Minister of Investment and International Cooperation has announced that a national committee will be created at the Tunisian Investment Authority with a mission to grant the necessary authorisations for the achievement of mega projects in partnership with China. AC. CGTN."