Saudi Arabia and Tunisia: Strengthening economic cooperation in 15 strategic sectors
In a move reflecting the depth of fraternal relations and the shared desire to advance development, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, held an important meeting with Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning, Dr. Samir Abdelhafid, in Riyadh. This meeting, held on the sidelines of the 12th session of the Saudi-Tunisian Joint Committee, marks a pivotal moment in the economic relations between the two brotherly countries.
The meeting focused on discussing practical mechanisms to enhance economic and industrial integration. Both sides explored expanding cooperation across a wide range of strategic economic sectors. The discussion went beyond simply reviewing opportunities; it included a transparent discussion of the challenges facing exporters and investors in both countries, proposing appropriate solutions to address them. This aims to ensure the smooth flow of trade and contribute to the growth of bilateral trade, thereby achieving the sustainable development goals of Riyadh and Tunis.
A strategic partnership aligned with Vision 2030
These discussions are of particular importance given the significant economic development underway in Saudi Arabia as part of its Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on the industrial and mining sectors as key pillars for diversifying income sources. In this context, the meeting highlighted the pivotal role of the Saudi-Tunisian Joint Committee, commending the efforts of its working groups, which successfully included nearly 100 topics in the committee's agenda. These topics encompassed 15 vital areas of cooperation, primarily energy, industry, mining, logistics, trade, and human resource development, reflecting the comprehensive vision for the future of bilateral cooperation.
Regional and international dimensions of cooperation
This cooperation carries strategic implications that extend beyond bilateral borders. The Kingdom seeks to solidify its position as a global logistics and industrial hub, while Tunisia represents a vital gateway to North Africa. Cooperation in the fields of transport, logistics, and energy not only benefits the economies of both countries but also strengthens the stability of supply chains in the Arab region. Furthermore, the focus on the mining sector opens up opportunities for joint investments that leverage available natural resources, creating new job opportunities and bolstering national economies against global economic fluctuations.
This high-level meeting was attended by several prominent leaders, including Dr. Abdullah Al-Ahmari, Assistant Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Planning and Development; Eng. Saad Al-Khalab, CEO of the Saudi Export-Import Bank; and Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Saqr, the Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia. The presence of representatives from the Export-Import Bank underscores the Kingdom's commitment to providing the necessary financial and logistical support to increase non-oil exports and enhance trade with Tunisia, within a robust institutional framework that ensures the sustainability of this partnership.
