Beijing: 'Beijing and Tunis can further develop their relations, particularly in the areas of trade and tourism, in light of the cooperation between China and the Arab world, whose prospects appear broader,' former Chinese diplomat Wu Sisco said on Wednesday in Beijing. In a statement to a TAP journalist attending a training programme in Beijing for Arab journalists, Sisco added that the relationship between Tunisia and China is based on 'mutual understanding regarding many international and regional issues.'
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, Sisco noted the potential for cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the tourism sector. He emphasized Tunisia's appeal as a beautiful destination recognized by the Chinese, and highlighted the long-standing excellent relations between the two countries. Speaking at the conference titled 'The Sino-Tunisian Cooperation Forum Deepens the Foundations of Comprehensive Strategic Relations between China and the Arab World in the New Era', Sisco remarked on the pressures faced by the Arab world, prompting it to seek friendly countries like China to expand its diplomatic network amidst China's new phase of development.
Sisco also highlighted the significant share of the Arab world among developing countries and its close, mutually beneficial ties with China. This relationship has led to the establishment of the Arab-Chinese Forum, set to take place in China in 2026. He described the Sino-Arab relationship as a shared desire to explore new horizons and build an independent world.
The diplomat underscored the role of youth in the strategic relationship between China and the Arab world, advocating for capacity development through cooperation, exchange visits, and innovation to ensure the success of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum. He identified potential cooperation areas, including satellites and artificial intelligence, which could pave new paths in space exploration and technological advancement.
China's GDP for 2024 is projected at $18.9 trillion, ranking second globally with a growth rate of about 5%, accounting for approximately 16.9% of the global GDP. Trade between Tunisia and China in 2024 reached approximately 9.2 billion Tunisian dinars, marking an 8% increase from 2023. Despite this growth, there remain untapped export opportunities to the Chinese market valued at over US$214 million. These include potential exports of around US$20 million in olive oil, US$15 million in fishery products, and US$2.5 million in dates. These figures, according to the Export Promotion Centre (CEPEX), underscore the potential to reduce the trade deficit and enhance the trade balance between Tunisia and China.