The city of Tunis recently hosted an important Business Forum between Turkey and Tunisia. This event, held last Saturday, brought together more than 40 representatives of Turkish companies, as well as numerous Tunisian businessmen. This meeting marks a new stage in Turkey’s diplomatic efforts to boost mutual investment opportunities.
Ahmet Misbah Demircan, Ambassador of Türkiye to Tunisia, highlighted the importance of trade relations to strengthen ties between the two countries. He said: “The aim is to improve relations between the two countries. Business forums strengthen these business relationships.” He also indicated that Turkey has received more than 400 Tunisian businessmen over the past six months.
Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat previously welcomed the growing volume of trade, which increased from $318 million to $1.6 billion in 20 years. According to him, Tunisia, with its young population and its free trade agreements, offers considerable potential for future partnerships.
The president of the Tunisia Africa Business Council, Anis Jaziri, recalled that Tunisia could become a strategic platform for Turkish companies in Africa, thanks to its geographical position and local skills.
An agreement providing for a free trade zone between Türkiye and Tunisia signed in 2004 made it possible to exempt certain Tunisian products imported into Turkey from customs fees. However, in early December 2023, it was revised to balance the Tunisian trade deficit. This revision includes a list of products subject to new temporary customs duties.
This dynamic has already attracted the attention of the Turkish company Makfry, which plans to open a franchise in Tunisia. This expansion demonstrates the growing interest of Turkish investors in the Tunisian market.
