Historical relations between Tunisia and China: A cooperation that grows day by day

Not so long ago, Tunisia and China recently celebrated, in January, 60 years of mutually beneficial diplomatic relations. Six decades with no wrinkles.

This dates back to 1964 when such multisectoral cooperation took shape, in a national context marked by a semblance of a post-independence Tunisian state that began to slowly emerge and form a self-image. At the time, the country, barely out of the grip of the occupier, needed a comprehensive strategy for planning and development. The task was not easy, but the ambition of a young state towards rebirth, to be well recognized, was even greater. It was with this perspective that it tirelessly sought to surround itself with foreign friends and partners.

China was among the first to respond to the call, with whom Tunisia had strong ties based on successful solidarity cooperation. As a result, a legion of mega-projects was on the agenda of the two countries, some already completed, others still under construction. Indeed, many contracts were concluded following various agreements signed in the fields of infrastructure, technology, and tourism. The latest of which is related to the construction of the main viaduct of the new bridge to be built over the navigation canal in Bizerte. Just last Wednesday, the Chinese company “Sichuan Road & Bridge” won this contract for a value of 750 million Tunisian dinars. And that’s not all.

The renovation of the youth center in El Menzah, the construction of a cultural center in Ben Arous, five hospitals in the northwest of the country are also part of Chinese achievements in Tunisia.

In addition to a host of investments designed to transform the face of the south of the country and boost its development, including “transforming the port of Zarzis into an economic and commercial center spanning 1,000 hectares incorporating a bridge from Boughrara to the island of Djerba, a technological hub, a project for a Medenine-Zarzis railway line, a logistics zone in Ben Guerdane and an economic activity park in Zarzis”.

It goes without saying that the Asian giant, present in our skies for a long time, has continued to provide funds and technical and logistical assistance.

It is important to highlight the common interest of both countries in progress and development on various diplomatic, socio-economic, cultural, and eco-tourism levels.

“Between Tunisia and China, a two-thousand-year-old history, where our ancestors and predecessors had to sell and exchange goods on the mythical Silk Road. They have, in turn, marked out common paths for us. And to this day, in this new era, our bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation continue to enrich and develop in many ways,” these were the words of Mr. Tshui Ching Chan, member of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (PCC), at the opening of the “dialogue of civilizations, from Beijing to Carthage” congress last June. Crossed paths traveled for a long time. And to this day, bilateral relations remain in good shape.

From Africa to the Maghreb, through Tunisia, China’s openness is part of its new “Global Civilization Initiative”, launched at the beginning of last year, with the aim of achieving progress and well-being for peoples worldwide. It is also a new model of development, essentially socialist, which is global and inclusive with Chinese characteristics, under a humanistic approach, free from armed conflicts. It presents a new vision of the world, where human capital is both the means and the end of any action plan. Certainly, the “peaceful invasion” of the African market, based on such colossal and generous investment flows, has elevated China to the rank of a privileged partner of the African continent. Its national growth rate has reached an average of 6.6% over the past ten years, three times the global rate of 2.6%, far surpassing that achieved in the USA, Europe, or Japan. In addition, its contribution to the global economy stands at 30%. This has paved the way for its development.

In fact, these Chinese choices remind us of those made at the dawn of Independence, relying on human capital and the social and health promotion of Tunisians.

This similarity of views and this trend towards globalization must have strengthened the rapprochement between the two nations. The recent opening of the International Diplomatic Academy of Tunis, thanks to a Chinese donation of around 72 million dinars, is seen as a first in the world never before achieved in Chinese history. It also reflects the deep friendship and solidarity established 60 years ago. It is a very powerful symbol.

And one can only applaud such a high level of Sino-Tunisian exchange and cooperation. Referring to the latest preferential measures taken by the Tunisian government, all indications point to promising new perspectives on the horizon. Chinese tourists are now exempt from visas for Tunisia, which will further stimulate them and further solidify our destination of choice.

Whether individually or in groups, Chinese tourists, whether from China or other countries, will no longer need to pay visa fees. “The Chinese tourism market is strategic for Tunisia,” stated the Minister of Tourism, Mohamed El Moez Belhassine, at the opening of the regional conference of the International Union of Tourist Cities in Hammamet last November, under the theme of “prospects for a new Sino-African tourism cooperation.”

Intending to act and fulfill what has been promised, the national carrier Tunisair plans to open a direct air route between Tunisia and China this year. This new service is expected to double the number of Chinese tourists from 30,000 to over 60,000.

This intention, it should be noted, had been brewing since 2012, but its realization was delayed until it resurfaced after the Covid-19 pandemic. A context where Tunisian tourism, like that of the world, was mired in a crisis never seen before. Thus, rewarding Chinese tourism with new promotional measures is a way to revive Tunisian tourism and therefore the economy of our country.

China, for its part, has not missed any opportunity to reaffirm its constant support for Tunisia. And the multiple projects completed or those already being finalized, in broad daylight, only assure us that the relations established between Tunisia and China are always promising.