São Paulo – Tunisia should receive US$ 1.2 billion to invest in its economy. The money will be donated by the Islamic Development Bank, according to an announcement by the organization’s president, Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al Madani, during the Tunisia Investment Forum, held on Thursday (13th) and Friday (14th).
"The funds will be mainly for investments in infrastructure and agribusiness," said Tamer Mansour, Government Relations executive at the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, who attended the event along with the Foreign Trade Vice President at the organisation, Rubens Hannun.
According to Mansour, the forum was attended by businessmen and government officials from 44 countries. Among the Arabs, were representatives from Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The prime minister of Tunisia, Ali Larayedh, and the United States undersecretary for Political Affairs, Wendy Sherman, were speakers at the event. Also present were representatives of England, France, Italy and Switzerland.
The forum had two main themes, one of them covered how Tunisia could strengthen its economy in a faster manner, and the second addressed Islamic finance in the Arab countries.
"Tunisia is a country that expects investment from Brazilian companies. The country could be an interesting gateway into Africa and Europe, due to the (commercial) agreements it holds," said Mansour.
Meetings
In addition to participating in Tunisia Investment Forum, Mansour and Hannun also had an extensive schedule of commitments in Tunis. On Thursday (13), they met with the Association of Exporters of the Middle East and Africa (Maex)."They should visit Brazil from June 23rd to 30th. The Arab Chamber is preparing a meeting, business-roundtable, and visit agenda to (food fairs) Sial and BioFach," said Mansour.
On the same day, they met with Ahmed Alsad, director of the Islamic Development Bank. "We discussed the possibility of organizing an Islamic finance event in Brazil. We will stay in touch to discuss the matter," he said.
At the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA), the possibility of an agreement between the Tunisian organisation and Arab Chamber for promotion of Brazilian investment in Tunisia was discussed.
At the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), the Arab Chamber representatives met Mohammed Al Kadafi, deputy director of the organization. "We talked about the possibility of cooperation for cultural promotion in Brazil," said Mansour.
On Friday (14), the Arab Chamber delegates had a meeting at Tunisia Export (Cepex), the country’s export promotion agency. "We discussed the implementation of joint actions and the possible signing of a cooperation agreement," said Mansour. There was also a meeting with Saida Hachicha, International Cooperation Director at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Crafts. "We discussed the sectors that will reactivate the Brazil-Tunisia Business Council and the promotion of a Tunisian trade delegation to Brazil," added Mansour.
*Translated by Mark Ament
