UAE Ministry of Economy inaugurates 'Emirates-Tunisia Economic Partnership Forum'

Held under the patronage of H.E. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy, the Forum is part of efforts to enhance commercial and economic relations between the UAE and Tunisia.

The event was attended by prominent political, business and economic figures from both countries, including H.E. Mohammed Al-Sedeeri, Tunisian Ambassador in the UAE, and H.E. Mohammed Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Alshihhi, Undersecretary of the MoE.

'The Emirates-Tunisia Economic Partnership Forum is the latest initiative to boost already distinguished relations between our two countries, which have been enjoying rapid economic and business growth. The UAE in fact remains one of the most important investor countries in Tunisia,' said H.E. Al Mansouri.

'The Ministry of Economy's pursuit of higher levels of economic cooperation in all areas is in line with the federal government strategy announced by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in April 2007. I am confident that the achievements and economic gains of our countries shall provide a foundation for forging a comprehensive economic partnership that will contribute to boosting the successful development projects in our respective countries,' added H.E. Al Mansouri.

UAE investments to Tunisia have exceeded $20bn (73.46bn) over the past two years; according to data released by the UAE Ministry of Economy, the volume of total non-oil trade between UAE and Tunisia reached Dhs71m in 2002 and hit Dhs173m during 2006.

The value of UAE imports from Tunisia in 2002 was about Dhs16m, while exports reached about Dhs14m.

The value of UAE re-exports to Tunisia during the same year was about Dhs41m; UAE imports from Tunisia, on the other hand, reached Dhs48m, while exports amounted to Dhs34m and re-exports, Dhs91m.

The UAE and Tunisia currently co-support a number of conventions, including an economic cooperation aimed at promoting economic exchange; a trade and customs cooperation MoU; an MoU and operational program for cooperation in the fields of higher education, scientific and technological research; and operational programs on cultural, educational, media, and youth and sports cooperation.

H.E. Al Mansouri emphasized that the Forum's agenda would include various issues and proposals concerning development and active bilateral cooperation in the fields of investment, trade exchange and industrial cooperation.

He commented on the need to benefit from the experiences of the two sides in various fields, harnessing potentials and solutions, overcoming obstacles, developing solutions to outstanding issues, and providing more opportunities for the efficient flow of more investments and trade exchange between the two countries.

The Tunisian delegation was headed by Mr. Mohammed Al Sahrawi, Vice President of the Tunisian Union for Industry, Commerce and Handicrafts; and also included Al-Azhar Satta, Vice President of the Tunisian Union for Industry, Commerce and Handicrafts; Adel Boussarsar, Vice President of the Tunisian Federation; Samir Majol, Chairman of the National University of Food Industries; Al-Shazly Issa, President and Director of Tunisia Emirates Bank; and various other businessmen and figures from the economic sector.

The Emirati delegation included H.H. Eng. Salah Salem Bin Omeir Al Shamsi, Chairman of the UAE Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), and Chairman of the Board of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI); H.E. Otaiba Saeed Ahmed Al Otaiba, Board Member of ADCCI; and H.E. Saeed Ali Al Dahery, Board Member of ADCCI.

Also attending from Sharja were Ahmad Muhammed Al Medfaa, Board Member of the UAE FCCI and Chairman of the Sharja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI); Mr. Khaled Butti Bin Obaid, General Manager Assistant for SCCI Affairs; Saeed Obaid Al Jarwan, Board Member of SCCI; H.E. Sheikha Hind Al Qassimi, First Deputy of the Emirates Women Business Council (EWBC); H.E. Farida Qanbar, Second Deputy of EWBC; H.E. Ruqaya Qanbar, Vice President of EWBC for Financial Affairs; Dr. Huda Suleiman, Board Member of EWBC; Aysha Khalfan Badr, Board Member of EWBC; and Dr. Moaed Waheeb, Head of the Information Department at the UAE FCCI.

Dubai delegates included Ayoub Khan, General Manager of the Al Abbas Group of Companies; and Mr. Raed Bebbs, General Manager of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group.