TICKET | Tunisia-Gulf Countries: Towards a Model of Strategic Partnership

In the new geopolitical and economic configuration, Tunisia and the Gulf countries have been able to diversify their portfolio of economic activities and investments, expanding their potential markets of customers and consumers. Despite global conflicts and the health crisis (Covid-19), which have slowed down investment flows, they continue to flow and have regained momentum, despite the multiple political and socio-economic difficulties that Tunisia has faced in order to boost its economic growth and balance its trade.

Tunisia has constants that favor the attraction of petrodollars: first, economic openness and a stated willingness to deepen reforms and attract foreign capital, then political proximity to the Gulf monarchies, and an economy that offers profitable investment opportunities.

Despite these difficulties, it is now called upon to restart the economic engine within the framework of economic diplomacy and to develop major FDI. It must take advantage of its specific relations with some friendly Gulf countries to conclude fruitful partnership agreements and strengthen support structures for economic development. Knowing that our country is currently experiencing a renewed interest due to the ongoing geopolitical reconfiguration. It is making a strong diplomatic comeback in the Gulf countries and revitalizing bilateral cooperation and the development of investment and trade.

The intensity of economic cooperation between Tunisia and the Gulf monarchies is also illustrated by agreements that have already been negotiated and signed in various fields. This diplomatic and economic push by Tunisia and its Gulf partners is already yielding tangible results, as Tunisian companies have expressed a great willingness to invest more in these countries.

The interest in the Gulf market necessitates the strengthening of the interactive network of economic and commercial attachés at our diplomatic and consular missions in these countries, intensifying efforts to compile periodic reports on the mechanisms in place in the accrediting countries in order to promote national products, attract foreign investments, and increase the volume of exports.