Dialogue between Secretary-general of China-Africa Industrial Forum Cheng Zhigang and Dr. Mohamed Sahbi Basly, Tunisian Ambassador to China

On June 18, 2009, Cheng Zhigang, the executive secretary-general of China-Africa Industrial Cooperation and Development Forum visited Mohamed Sahbi Basly, Tunisian Ambassador to China. Dr. Basly gave us a warm reception with Tunisian coffee and cakes. We had a pleasant conversation on the status in Tunisia, as well as economic and trade cooperation between China and Tunisia.

Cheng: Since China established diplomatic relations with China in 1965, the two countries have formed intimate friendship. Could you give a general introduction on Tunisia?

Basly: Let me first welcome you and your team to the Embassy of Tunisia. Tunisia and China really have a long friendship.
     

Tunisia is a country situated on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, midway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Nile Valley. It is bordered by Algeria in the west and Libya in the south-east. An abrupt southern turn of its shoreline gives Tunisia two faces on the Mediterranean. Despite its relatively small size, agricultural and industry develop well in Tunisia. Resources are very rich.

Cheng: What about the development of industry in the country? And what kind of industries do you prefer to invest in Tunisia?

Basly: Let me first introduce its agriculture. The output of agriculture accounts for 13 to 16 percent to the GNP. In Tunisia, seafood and olive oil have great output. Tunisia is one of the world's biggest producers and exporters of olive oil. Besides these products, wine in Tunisia is also famous.

Chemical industry and oil exploration industry are the main industry in Tunisia. Electrical, electronic and electrical appliances are the key sector of industry. (Having said that, Dr. Basly laughed) If you ask me what kind of industries I prefer to invest in Tunisia, then I would say that all the enterprises can be! Why? There (he pointed to a bag, in which thee are all the introduction of industrial projects in Tunisia, and the latest investment policies, etc.) is about the details of the Tunisian industry, get back to reading you will believe what I said now! Opportunities in Tunis are everywhere. That depends if you are able to grasp, and who can first grasp them! In Tunisia, there are 5000 European companies, which indicate that it has large space and the infinite value! Tunisia implements trade liberalization policies, the EU is Tunisia's main trading partners, including France, Italy, and Germany, and so I hope that more Chinese enterprises will join it.

Main export products: textiles, electrical equipments, petroleum products, olive oil, shoes, fur products, fertilizers, chemicals, etc.

Main import products: Machinery, electrical equipments, petroleum products, vehicles, iron and steel, etc.

Cheng: We all know that Tunisia is rich in its tourism resources and it’s an     ideal destination for the Chinese to travel.

Basly: Tunisian tourism industry is the largest source of foreign exchange. In recent years, there is an increasing number of tourists to Tunisia from all over the world. The tourism facilities are mainly located in the eastern coastal areas, such as Susie Kon-davi center, which is the largest tourism base in Tunisia, receiving the largest travelers. Tunis, Beng Kok, Djerba Island are famous tourist spots. The provision of quality hotel, facilities are available in Tunisia. In addition to the beautiful scenery, its security and climate has also attracted a large number of tourists.

Cheng: The aim of the China-Africa Industrial Cooperation and Development Forum is to promote the “8-measure” of President Hu Jintao for Chinese industrial enterprises investing in Africa, what are Tunisia’s favorable policies to Chinese enterprises?

Basly: Industrial investment in Tunisia, a relatively simple procedure, there are specialized companies for the procedures to open the place, will provide you with one-stop service to save a lot of things. If to set up export-oriented manufacturing enterprises, the Government of Tunisia will provide a great convenience.

To invest in Tunisia, we exempt the former 10-year export profits from income tax, agricultural projects and regional development projects income tax. From the 11th year, we collect half of the export tax indefinitely; for the regional development projects, we collect half of the profit tax for 10 years.  

In addition, set up industries in Tunisia, the products can also be exported to Italy and other European countries; there is no customs duties, which also benefit from the unique geographical location of Tunisia, as to attract investors. For more concrete details, you can see the information I give you, on which there are all the above process for all the procedures.

Cheng: In September, some leaders of the China-Africa Industrial Cooperation and Development Forum Committee will pay on visit to African countries. If to your distinguished country, will you provide some conveniences?

Basly: Yes, of course! I really hope you will pay a visit to Tunisia—a wonderful place! When you have decided to go there, tell me, I will give you the visa and make some arrangements of the visit for you.

Before we leave, Dr. Basly takes photos with Secretary-general Cheng Zhigang kindly and invite us to visit the embassy again. We are deeply touched by Dr. Basly’s generous spirit and erudite knowledge.