DOHA: After the successful completion of political reconciliation, Tunisia is now looking forward to bolstering its economy and is pinning hope on Arab and GCC investors, Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa said here yesterday.
Jomaa was in Doha on a visit, heading a business delegation. He urged Qatari businessmen to invest in his country and benefit from opportunities in a stable economic and political atmosphere.
In an interview with Qatar News Agency, Jomaa lauded Qatar’s support to his country and said Tunisia was keen to further improve its ties with Qatar and other GCC countries in all sectors.
“Currently, 80 per cent of our trade is with Europe. It is time to give an Arab dimension to our relations while maintaining good relations with Europe and America,” said Jomaa.
“After three years of political instability, finally we managed to create a situation for long- term political stability and this is an encouraging environment for investors,” he added.
He said after completion of political transition, Tunisia is now turning its attention to economic issues.
“Tunisia today is more secure and stable but it will continue fighting terrorism. The current economic difficulties are the price for democratic transition and now we are holding dialogue with our partners in Europe and Gulf countries to support the Tunisian economy and take the reforms ahead,” said Jomaa.
He said after his visit to the GCC, he will be visiting the US.
The Tunisian delegation yesterday met Qatari businessmen and officials of Qatar Chamber.
The meeting, in the presence of the Minister of Finance H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi, discussed issues in reciprocal investment, with both sides agreeing on the importance of boosting partnerships between the private sectors in both countries.
Qatari Businessmen Association Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassem Al Thani said Jomaa encouraged Qatari businessmen during the meeting as he discussed highly rewarding investment opportunities for both countries in the fields of industry and agriculture.
Both sides also agreed to organise a visit for Qatari businessmen to Tunisia in the next two months.
Qatar Chamber President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, said the meeting focused on boosting economic and trade cooperation, adding that the Tunisian side presented some sectors Qatari businessmen can invest in.
He added that the situation is improving in Tunisia as security is stable and economic indicators are starting to rise.
“We are optimistic about the Tunisian economy and Qatari businessmen are keen to explore investment opportunities there,” he said.
The Peninsula
