America News Agency

The Tunisia–Turkey Chamber of Commerce, established in Tunisia, has begun its activities with the appointment of a new president and board.

Speaking on the occasion of the Chamber’s establishment, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Ahmet Misbah Demircan, stated that the trade volume between Türkiye and Tunisia has increased this year and pointed to the importance of an institutional structure for the sustainable growth of economic relations.

Expressing satisfaction over the realization of the long-discussed idea of a joint chamber of commerce, Demircan said, “This structure will coordinate circles doing business with Türkiye, bring businesspeople together, and contribute to the healthier functioning of commercial processes.”

“Tunisia is now a strategic production base”

In a previous interview, Demircan drew attention to Tunisia’s position for the Turkish textile sector, saying, “For Turkish textile producers, Tunisia is no longer just an alternative; it is regarded as a strategic production base.”

Stating that when production costs, logistical advantages, rapid access to the European market and political stability are considered together, Tunisia offers a strong balance for investors, Demircan noted that some Turkish companies producing in Egypt are seriously evaluating Tunisia for new investments.

Emphasizing that Tunisia is one of the North African countries providing the fastest access to the European market, Demircan said that short delivery times, low logistics costs and a disciplined workforce distinguish the country.

Demircan stated that as an embassy they conduct “economic diplomacy” beyond classical diplomacy, explaining the incentive system to Turkish investors on the ground, introducing organized industrial zones on site, and following the investment process from the decision stage to production.

Pointing out that Tunisia is an important gateway not only to Europe but also to the African market, Demircan said that Turkish companies can access both Europe and Africa by producing in Tunisia, which has strategic importance for the global competitiveness of Turkish textiles.

Emphasis on coordination in commercial diplomacy

Banu Küçükel, Chairperson of the DEİK Türkiye–Tunisia Business Council, stated that within the scope of their contacts in Tunisia, they held meetings with UTICA, the umbrella organization of the Tunisian business world, and also had contacts with Türkiye’s Embassy in Tunisia.

Küçükel said that their primary goal is to bring together businesspeople operating with Türkiye in Tunisia and those working with Tunisia in Türkiye, noting that sector-based efforts will be carried out to increase imports and exports and to eliminate existing trade imbalances.

Stating that potential problems are planned to be resolved through commercial diplomacy channels in coordination with the Ministry of Trade and relevant institutions, Küçükel emphasized that the incentive mechanisms offered by Tunisia present significant opportunities, especially for joint investments.

“We invite investors to Tunisia”

Selçuk Yılmaz, elected as President of the Tunisia–Turkey Chamber of Commerce, stated that they have been producing in the textile sector in Tunisia for 15 years and that fabrics supplied from Türkiye are processed in Tunisia and exported to the European Union.

Stating that Tunisia has a strong infrastructure in the textile sector, Yılmaz invited investors who wish to produce to Tunisia and said they are ready to provide support in every needed matter.

Yılmaz stated that they aim to simplify processes by bringing together businesspeople in Türkiye and Tunisia and to contribute to the fast, accurate and secure execution of commercial transactions.

The Tunisia–Turkey Chamber of Commerce is expected in the upcoming period to carry out efforts to improve the investment environment, facilitate commercial processes and elevate economic relations between the two countries to a higher level.

The board of the chamber, consisting of 60 members representing different sectors, aims to strengthen commercial and investment relations between the two countries on an institutional basis.