Tunisia: President of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA), Samir Majoul, and President of the Algerian Council for Economic Renewal (CREA), Kamel Moula, outlined their vision for a new framework of bilateral economic cooperation during the Tunisia-Algeria Economic Forum on Thursday. The leaders emphasized the need for a qualitative leap in the economic relations between the two nations.
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, Majoul advocated for the establishment of a comprehensive free-trade agreement, the removal of all customs and non-customs barriers, and the exemption of goods from both countries from duties and taxes. He underscored the significance of fostering joint investments and providing investors with the freedom to operate across all economic sectors, access financing, and benefit from unrestricted movement, residency, ownership, and reciprocal investment.
Majoul highlighted the potential in high value-added and strategic sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, pharmaceuticals, energy, cybersecurity, and the knowledge economy. He also called for investments in public works, automotive components, textiles, tourism, and logistics. Majoul proposed full liberalization of currencies and economic transactions, contingent upon an agreement between the central banks on a unified exchange rate, and encouraged the development of triangular partnerships involving Tunisian, Algerian, and African companies.
He noted that while previous bilateral meetings had led to promising opportunities, the outcomes have yet to meet the ambitions and capacities of both countries. Majoul stressed the importance of exploring new sectors for cooperation by leveraging the comparative advantages and mutual trust between private-sector actors in Tunisia and Algeria. He expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade and investment to expand export volumes and access to broader markets.
On the other hand, CREA President Kamel Moula emphasized the importance of practical cooperation in the automotive industry, where Tunisia is a regional leader. He highlighted Tunisia's advancements in innovation and modernisation within the sector, which employs a significant number of people. Moula proposed initiatives to upgrade Algerian SMEs, align with international standards, and establish a partnership system connecting automotive manufacturers in both nations.
Moula underscored the potential for unifying efforts in subcontracting to create a robust industrial hub that fosters job creation, knowledge transfer, and quality. He also expressed Algeria's interest in developing its tourism sector by drawing on Tunisia's extensive experience. Moula suggested that exchanging best practices in tourism and vocational training could lead to a strategic partnership, fostering regional integration and shared growth.
He affirmed that the joint economic development plan aligns with a roadmap created in collaboration with UTICA, aimed at pooling resources and expertise for common objectives. The Tunisia-Algeria Economic Forum, held in Tunis, facilitated bilateral meetings to launch new economic activities within a dynamic partnership framework, promising job creation and sustainable development.