São Paulo – Tunisia’s exports grew 12% in the first quarter of this year as against the same period in 2010, according to information disclosed by agency Panapress. Revenues totalled 450 million Tunisian dinars, equivalent to US$ 325.6 million, at current exchange rates. The figures were presented this week, at a press conference, by Environment Minister Mokhtar Jallali, of the temporary government.
According to him, there was a reduction in olive oil exports, an item of which Tunisia produces large volumes, and also in citric fruit sales. On the other hand, foreign sales of sea products (like fish and crustaceans) rose significantly (49%), as did those of leguminous plants (46%). A good performance was also identified in exports of potatoes, which totalled 10,000 tonnes, and in tomatoes, which totalled 5,300 tonnes. It is worth recalling that shipments are on the rise despite the political crisis in the country, which resulted in the resignation of president Zine Abidine Bem Ali.
Jallali believes that there should be 5% expansion in the agricultural production of the country in 2011, if good climate conditions remain, and this should allow for the expansion of exports and lower imports. The minister said that wheat stocks, for example, should cover the needs of the domestic market up to July and that the next harvest should allow for a reduction of imports of some varieties.
The temporary government has been making efforts for expansion of agribusiness in the nation. Among the measures being taken are the restructuring of the production reception centres and the elaboration of programs for regulation of different kinds of agricultural activities in Tunisia. There should also be greater financing for medium and small companies, providing incentives to investment in agro industries, as well as the creation of new credit mechanisms. The objective is to generate jobs in the sector.
Although Tunisia is a great producer of items like olive oil and olives, Brazil does not buy these products from the Arab country. In truth, the Brazilian market buys little from the Tunisians. In the first quarter of this year, exports from the African country to Brazil were just US$ 14 million. But there was expansion as against the same period in 2010, when purchases totalled US$ 12.2 million. The main products sold were phosphates and aluminium fluoride.
*Translated by Mark Ament
