Tunisia and South African business take hands

Recently, a delegation from the MTM Group based in Tunisia visited Ekurhuleni to sign a memorandum of understanding with the EBI.

Ali Goutali, who was the Tunisian ambassador in South Africa years ago. was part of the delegation. Goutali has since then been an ambassador stationed in Russia.

At the time when he was still stationed in SA, back in the early 2000s, Goutali, along with Chris van Biljon (CEO of the EBI), launched Tunsa (Tunisia South African Business Initiative).

According to Goutali, Tunsa, however, ran shipwrecked when he left SA’s shores for a new designation.

Now, years later, he believes Tunsa can be reborn, and the time is ripe for a healthy business partnership between South Africa and Tunisia.

“We believe Tunisia and South Africa are important hubs for investment, tourism and trade. For this reason both of these countries should work closely together and share expertise and resources,” Goutali said.

Tunisia is the northernmost country in Africa, covering 165 000 square kilometres.

Since Tunisia lies so close to the European continent, the European Union remains Tunisia’s first trading partner.

“We receive a lot of tourists from Europe, and lately, following my time in Russia, a lot of Russian tourists flood our country,” Goutali added.

He said Tunisia is looking to attract wealthier tourists, but to make this a reality they are going to have to invest in upper-class golf courses, resorts and casinos.

“This is, of course, where South Africa plays a part, because South Africa knows about resorts, casinos and golf courses.

“After all, just like Tunisia, South Africa also relies heavily on tourism.

“If the two countries take hands then the northern and southern tips of Africa will be connected, opening up tourism and trade routes that will be beneficial for Tunisia and South Africa.

“I believe when the private sectors of both countries, with the support of the respective countries, pool their resources we can come up with new approaches to boost trade and business, and at the same time with a working synergy we can see the fruition of key developments that will benefit both countries.”

Goutali said Tunisia has a diverse economy, ranging from agriculture, mining, manufacturing and petroleum products to tourism.

Among its best products are tuna and olive oil.

He also pointed out that when he was stationed in South Africa there was a technical corporation between the two countries, such as doctors from Tunisia working in SA.

Van Biljon is excited about the partnership, as it will open up new opportunities for businesses in Benoni and also throughout Ekurhuleni to expand operations to Africa and even Europe.

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