The volume of trade between Pakistan and Tunisia could touch the peak in real terms of business if both the countries evolve a solid sector-specific strategy by involving all the stakeholders.
These views were expressed by Tunisian ambassador Zouhaier Dhaouadi in a meeting with the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) president Mian Misbah-ur-Rehman here on Thursday. The LCCI senior vice-president Sohail Lashari, vice-president Sheikh Mohammad Arshad and others also attended the meeting.
The ambassador was of the view that the communication gap between the two countries is coming in the way of enhancing bilateral trade relations. He sought the help of the LCCI to bridge the communication gap between Pakistan and Tunisia. He stated that 'there is a lot of potential for Pakistani handicrafts, textile and auto sector.'
He said: "It is high time for Pakistan and Tunisia to identify the areas of common interest for having some kind of new relationship."
He said that 6.5 million tourists visit Tunisia every year and the Pakistani business community could get big market by starting business with their Tunisian counterparts. He said that Tunisia could also act as gateway to Europe for Pakistani businessmen but a solid beginning is required.
COMMON HERITAGE: Earlier, in his address Mian Misbah said that both the countries have common heritage and are bound together in strong religious and cultural ties.
"The fast changing socio-economic and geo-political situation around the globe calls for a greater understanding of the issues and joint economic efforts to ensure a dignified place for the Muslim countries," he said, adding, "although Pakistan and Tunisia enjoy warm and cordial relations yet the level of economic activity between the two brother Muslim countries is very depressing."
The total volume of trade is around 30 million dollars. Pakistan exports to Tunisia during 2002-03 were 13 million dollars against imports of 16.9 million dollars in the same period. Currently, Pakistan exports surgical instruments, sports goods, textile yarn and fabric.
For improvement in trade ties, he said 'a joint committee may be formed to identify potential tradable items between the two countries and areas of economic cooperation.' For example, the textile sector of Pakistan, which is producing fabrics and yarn of excellent quality and has occupied a dominant position in the world market, can meet the requirement of the Tunisian market, he said.
JOINT MARKETING: He said that Pakistan could also supply defence equipment and ammunition to Tunisia. He said: "Tunisia can also serve as a base for marketing of Pakistani products to North Africa and the European Union in the form of joint marketing, as Tunisia has already signed duty-free and quota-free trade agreement with the EU, US and the UK. Similarly, Tunisian products can also find their way to Central Asia and Gulf States through Pakistan."