The opportunities for intensifying the economic cooperation between Bulgaria and Tunisia were discussed during a meeting between the Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Dimitar Danchev and representatives of the second largest employers’ organization in Tunisia “Conect”. On behalf of the organization, the meeting was attended by Foued Gueddich and Imed Ben Jemaa.
“Tunisia is an important and promising economic partner of Bulgaria and this is confirmed by the data of the trade between the two countries, which for 2021 amounts to USD 269.2 million,” Deputy Minister Danchev said. According to him, Bulgaria can offer the Tunisian market high-quality products, including agricultural machinery, agricultural goods, food, tobacco, cigarettes, textile products, machinery products, machinery for the food and processing industries, electronics and electrical engineering, pharmaceutical products, furniture, etc.
During the meeting, it was noted that cooperation with Bulgarian companies is a promising way to expand Tunisia’s markets in the European Union, and the strategic geographical position of our country defines it as a gateway for business to European markets and a transit hub between the EU and Middle East markets.
Dimitar Danchev stressed that the participation in joint business forums and exhibitions should be strengthened, which are a good opportunity to promote contacts between the businesses of the two countries and increase trade between Bulgaria and Tunisia. He expressed his wish to organize an accompanying business forum with the participation of interested companies from both countries during the meeting of the Bulgarian-Tunisian Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation next year.
Mr. Danchev welcomed the signed cooperation agreement between the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Tunisian “Conect International” and expressed confidence that the agreement will help to establish fruitful contacts in areas of mutual interest.
Foued Gueddich invited Bulgarian companies to participate in the upcoming international forum in Tunisia in December 2023, which will include a number of African countries and EU member states.
“Conect” brings together Tunisian and foreign private and public companies working in the fields of industry, commerce, services, agriculture and handicrafts. Mr. Foued Gueddich is the President of Conect International, whose commitments include establishing contacts with employers’ organizations abroad, organizing business delegations and forums with a focus on small and medium enterprises to find partners in trade and investment.