HE Tunisias Minister of Economy, Finance, and Investment Support, Ali Al Kaali stressed the commitment of the State of Qatar and Tunisia to enhancing trade and economic ties to reach the level of the distinguished political ties the two countries enjoy.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of his visit to Doha, His Excellency said that the Qatari-Tunisian Supreme Joint Committee could hold their meeting after Ramadan in Doha. The meeting will focus on the opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation in all fields, particularly in the fields of investment, bilateral trade, and the economy. The Tunisian minister described his country's ties with Qatar as historic, stressing that the two sides are looking to enhance their cooperation further until it's on par with political ties.

He said that his visit aims to prepare for the Qatari-Tunisian Supreme Joint Committee meeting, which will be held at the levels of either the Prime Ministers or Ministers of Foreign Affairs. He noted that the meeting's agenda will be filled with topics related to enhancing bilateral cooperation and sharing expertise in the field of overcoming the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. The meeting will also discussed topics related to Qatar's hosting of the World Cup 2022, praising the country's preparations for hosting the international event, saying it's a source of pride for all Arab and Muslim countries.

The Tunisian Minister of Economy highlighted that one of the biggest topics will be the scope of expanding Qatari investments in Tunisia, particularly by the Qatari private sector. The two sides will also discuss the scope of Tunisian investment in Qatar, noting that a Tunisian business delegation attended with him on his visit to focus on that aspect. He said that Tunisia welcomes Qatari investment not as a source of foreign investment, but just like it welcomes a Tunisian investment. He noted that Qatari investments find all the support that can help it grow and serve the interests of both sides.

He added that both sides currently have a strong desire to advance bilateral economic cooperation, and encourage Qatari investments in Tunisia. Examples of that would be increasing the presence of both QNB and Ooredoo, particularly in terms of investment in 5G infrastructure. Other ideas include the possibility of increasing the number of Qatari flights to Tunisia, as well as increasing shipping lines between the two countries, which will help increase trade between the two sides.

He stressed that the two sides in both Tunisia and Qatar are well aware of the importance of encouraging mutual investments, and that there is a strong interest in enhancing bilateral trade given its still less than $100 million a year. He also said that there is an interest in doubling the volume of Qatari investments in Tunisia in the next five years. Coming to three times what it is now as it's less than a billion dollars.

The Tunisian minister said that the Coronavirus pandemic and its impact continue to be the biggest obstacle to the global economy. He expressed his hope that the vaccination campaigns, whether in the State of Qatar or in Tunisia will help face some of the challenges facing expanding bilateral cooperation. (QNA)