Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi to lead delegation into Tunisia

During the visit, the UAE and Tunisian officials will hold talks on ways to bolster trade and investment cooperation and relations between the two countries, according to an emailed press release by the Ministry of Foreign Trade, or MoFT. The UAE delegation also aims to promote the economic advantages and trade and investment opportunities offered by the UAE economy. Al Qassimi said the visit will be instrumental in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the UAE and Tunisia as it will see high profile meetings between the two sides including a meeting dedicated to the UAE – Tunisian partnership. The delegation comprises representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, MoFT, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge), the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, the Mubadala Development Company, Masdar, DP World, Dubai Holding, Etihad Airlines, Rotana Hotels Group, Majid Al Futtaim Group, Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries [JULPHAR], Bukhatir Group, Thani Holding, Al Otaiba Projects, RAK Ceramics, Al Ghurair Foods, and the Dubai Business Women Council. Trade exchange between the UAE and Tunisia grew at significant rates over the past few years. In 2010, bilateral non-oil trade grew by 67% to reach US$ 153 million, compared with US$ 90 million in 2009, placing Tunisia at the 86th place in the country’s non-oil foreign trade structure. In the same year, UAE’s non-oil exports to Tunisia increased substantially by around 81% to reach US$ 39 million, while its re-exports to the North African country grew by more than 9% to US$ 50 million. UAE imports from Tunisia also grew by 181% to US$ 63 million in the same year. UAE’s major exports to Tunisia are aluminum, metals and animal and vegetable oils. Re-exports to Tunisia include cars, trucks, motorcycles, machines, and fruits, among others. UAE’s major imports from Tunisia include natural pearls, precious stones, metals, apparel and chemicals. The UAE and Tunisia signed an agreement on economic cooperation in 1974, a double taxation agreement in 1996.