The Plan, a result of a la large national consultation involving all stakeholders in Tunisia, defines a new vision of social and economic development based on highly qualified human resources and a modern-day infrastructure. It requires investments of about USD 60 billion for the implementation of major projects in all sectors across the country: education, industry, mining, transport infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digital, housing, regional development, waste management, water management, human development. Those mega projects offer enormous opportunities for India investments.

Furthermore, given its strategic geographic position, the free trade agreements that we have concluded with E.U, Middle East and African countries, and the far-reaching incentives it offers to foreign investors in key areas and sectors, Tunisia is today not only worthy investment destination for Indian investors, but also an ideal gateway for accessing EU, Middle East and African huge Markets.

We understand there is a scope of expanding the current bilateral trade basket. Please let us know about the quantum of bilateral trade and the identified growth areas…

The current situation does not reflect the existing potential. Currently bilateral trade is limited to around USD 400 million, with about half coming from phosphate exports from Tunisia to India. During the last Joint Committee, both sides agreed to increase bilateral trade to USD 1 billion in the next five years. Thus, there is a need to broadening and diversifying the trade basket to fulfil such an objective. And as you might know Tunisia is one of the major producers and exporters of organic virgin olive oil, dates, and canned food.