As Tunisia enjoys close economic and commercial relations with the European Union, it can be a favorable route for Iranian exports to Europe, says Iran’s commercial attaché in Tunisia, Majid Qorbani-Faraz.
“If Iran can start joint ventures in Tunisia, Iranian exporters will be able to transport commodities much easily,” Qorbani-Faraz was quoted as saying by ISNA.
Trade exchange between Iran and Tunisia stands at $32 million annually, with Iran’s exports to the northwest African country mainly including pistachio, raisin, steel plates, agricultural equipment and acrylic yarns account for $20 million of the total.
Mono-calcium phosphate (mostly used in fertilizers) is the main import from Tunisia.
Qorbani-Faraz further said Tunisia has been given huge loans by the World Bank and other lenders for development purposes, which is mainly expected to be spent on construction projects as of 2016.
“Iranian firms should seize this opportunity to expand the export of technical and engineering services to Tunisia,” he added.
Referring to issues hindering exports, especially those related to money transfer, he called for the establishment of a joint bank between Iran and Tunisia.
Iran has a preferential trade agreement with Tunisia.
