Dubai Chamber invited to participate in the Arab Chambers Conference in Tunisia

This came when Mr. Abdul Rahman Ghanim Al Mutaiwee, the Director General of DCCI met with Mr. Mohammed Sahraoui, a member of the executive bureau of the Tunisian Association of Industrialists and Traders earlier today.

The conference, which is held every two years, looks into the relationship between the Arab Chambers and the European markets. This is a highly important topic as most of the Arab states in North Africa and the GCC countries have signed cooperation agreements with Europe.

Tunisia hosted the "Five plus Five" summit which included leaders from five Arab states and five European states from the Mediterranean, last December.

The Director General of the Dubai Chamber welcomed the invitation, and highlighted the strong relations between Dubai and Tunisia; "The economy of Tunisia enjoys stability, and its link with Europe will allow us to easier access to the European markets".

From his side. Mr. Sahraoui spoke about the importance of Dubai's participation, especially that it will allow businessmen from the United Arab Emirates to get to know the investment opportunities available in Tunisia. He also said that there are 2600 foreign companies based in Tunisia, in addition to Arab and Gulf establishments. He added that any investment foreign establishment operating anywhere on Tunisian soil, whether in a free zone area or not, is considered to be an "OFFSHORE" company.

Mr. Sahraoui explained that the tourism sector in Tunisia is 100% owned and run by the private sector, and stated that there are 700 hotels in Tunisia. "Tunisia has opened its doors to foreign investors in the agricultural area which has encouraged many European countries to expand their investment projects there".

The Tunisian Association of Industrialists and Traders is one of the most important and influential economic organizations in Tunisia, and includes 180000 members representing the different sectors. It was established in 1946, and plays an active role in the different economic and social fields in Tunisia.