Correspondent/Leila Ben Brahim) - Speaking at the opening session of the Tunisian-Algerian Business Forum, Samir Majoul, President of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, proposed the creation of a "permanent Tunisian-Algerian business forum" to be held once a year in consultation between the two countries. This forum would be the best place to discuss all matters relating to joint economic action and to define joint strategies, particularly in the fields of investment and employment, he pointed out. In his speech, Majoul noted the excellent level of political relations between the two countries, driven by the keenness of the two countries' leaders and the efforts made to develop cooperation and partnership relations. He said that the forum would be an opportunity to assess bilateral cooperation, draw future prospects, take bold decisions and lay the foundations for real economic integration between the two countries in the context of accelerated geopolitical and economic changes in the region and the world. Majoul pointed out that one of the most important immediate objectives is the conclusion of a comprehensive free trade agreement, the elimination of all types of permits, customs and non-tariff barriers, the exemption of the two countries' products from all taxes, the establishment of freedom of movement, residence, work, property and investment for Algerians in Tunisia and Tunisians in Algeria. He also advocated the promotion of joint investments and the possibility for investors from both countries to invest freely in all sectors of the economy, without exception, and to have access to financing from banking institutions in both countries. He stressed the need to focus on high value-added sectors such as food, health, renewable energy and communication technologies, and to pay more attention to tourism and the full liberalisation of the two countries' currencies in economic transactions and tourism, following the agreement between the Tunisian and Algerian central banks on a single exchange rate. This is in addition to the development of a tripartite partnership between Tunisian and Algerian institutions with their African counterparts and the establishment of strong relations with African countries. Majoul emphasised UTICA's willingness to work with its Algerian partners to achieve these objectives and to promote Tunisian-Algerian economic integration as a key issue for both countries. He called for continuing to defend the interests of the two countries through the Union of Arab Chambers, the International Organisation of Employers, BUSINESSMED, the African Organisation and the Alliance of Fancophone Employers. For his part, President of the Algerian Council for Economic Regeneration, Kamel Mouly, stressed the importance of cooperation and partnership relations between Tunisia and Algeria and their shared destiny. Tunisia is Algeria's main economic partner and trade relations between the two countries are strong and can be developed for the better, he stressed. He also expressed his hope to give a new impetus to exports between the two countries outside the hydrocarbon sector.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse