During the inauguration of the Egyptian-Tunisian Business Forum in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, Tunisian Prime Minister Sara Zaafrani delivered a call for a new era of economic cooperation between the two nations. The high-level forum, attended by Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and a distinguished group of business leaders, aims to leverage the private sector to drive growth and create innovative investment opportunities. The event is a key outcome of the 18th session of the Joint Egyptian-Tunisian Higher Committee.
A Push For Innovation and Startups
Prime Minister Zaafrani emphasized the need for partnerships built on innovation, knowledge transfer, and technology. She highlighted startups and high-growth sectors such as industry, renewable energy, and digital technology as critical areas for collaboration. Tunisia is actively fostering a more attractive investment climate by providing significant financial and tax incentives, simplifying regulations, and ensuring equal treatment for foreign and domestic investors. The government is also promoting entrepreneurship by developing project incubators and innovation centers to empower youth and facilitate access to financing, a strategy that has already enabled several Tunisian startups to expand internationally.
Overcoming Trade Barriers
Addressing the current state of bilateral trade, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the volume of exchange remains below its potential. She called for a unified effort to address the challenges facing investors and to remove any obstacles hindering progress. The forum was positioned as a vital platform for investors from both countries to open new horizons for collaboration, built on the principle of mutual benefit and shared interests.
Strategic Proposals And A Gateway To Africa
To translate vision into action, Prime Minister Zaafrani outlined several practical proposals to elevate the economic relationship. These include increasing the frequency of meetings between investors, organizing regular joint exhibitions, and exploring the feasibility of a direct maritime line between Tunisia and Egypt to boost trade. She also stressed the strategic importance of leveraging existing agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). This would enable Tunisian and Egyptian companies to form joint ventures and approach the vast African market together, securing a significant role in the continent’s value chains.
About The Egyptian-Tunisian Business Forum
The Egyptian-Tunisian Business Forum is a high-level platform designed to bring together government officials, private sector leaders, and investors from both countries. Its primary objective is to enhance bilateral trade, foster joint investments, and build strategic partnerships across key economic sectors. The forum serves as a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration to unlock the full potential of the economic relationship between Tunisia and Egypt.
Source: Youm7
