Correspondent/Leila Ben Brahim) – Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani said Tunisia and Algeria have no choice, in the face of international changes, but to unite their efforts and step up their cooperation in order to achieve the economic integration they are seeking. «This is an urgent necessity in order to achieve an effective strategic partnership,» he added, as he co-chaired with his Algerian counterpart, Aymen Benabderrahmane, the Tunisian-Algerian Economic Forum for business leaders. The Prime Minister said this forum, held on the occasion of the 22nd session of the High Joint Commission, provides an appropriate framework for Tunisian and Algerian business leaders to meet. It reflects the importance both governments attach to the role of the private sector in building active partnerships. The aim is to take advantage of the existing opportunities, differential advantages and real potential in both countries. Hachani considered that the major economic reforms adopted by Tunisia and Algeria to encourage entrepreneurship and improve the investment climate as avenues will open up vast opportunities for business leaders in both countries to establish effective partnerships across various sectors. Tunisia has embarked on the implementation of the 2023-2025 development plan, which is primarily based on the overarching guidelines of the state’s strategic vision for 2035, he noted. This plan is being translated into mechanisms, programmes and reforms, with a strong emphasis on the central role of economic actors in the new plan. Prime Minister Hachani expressed his hope that this development plan would improve the business environment, encourage entrepreneurship and investment in promising sectors, stimulate cooperation between sectors, and promote a transition towards a green and smart economy. He also pledged to reduce bureaucratic obstacles, streamline laws and procedures, and provide all necessary facilities and incentives to Algerian businessmen and investors. The aim is to ensure optimal conditions for their projects in various promising sectors, particularly in the energy, renewable energy, automotive and pharmaceutical industries. While stressing the exemplary nature of Tunisian-Algerian relations, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the trade balance and economic cooperation between the two countries could be further improved. In this regard, he reiterated his call for the speedy creation of a joint working group to update and improve the preferential trade agreement. He expressed his desire to convene the technical meeting of the Tunisian-Algerian working team to study the creation of a free trade zone along the Tunisian-Algerian border.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse