“Tunisia offers a wide choice of filming locations that could suit all sorts of productions. Shooting Indian films in Tunisia will be a significant driver of tourism.”
Tunisia and India share a strong diplomatic relationship that has evolved over the years. What are the key milestones in the Tunisia-India relationship, and what new areas of cooperation are you looking to explore in the future.
India has traditionally enjoyed warm and cordial relations with Tunisia since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1958. Over the six and a half decades, Our bilateral relations have flourished, encompassing various sectors including trade, culture, people to people connections and tourism.
A partnership that is marked by high level visits and engagement. The 5th round of India-Tunisia Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) was held in Tunis on May 17, 2023, during which both sides reviewed their trade & investment ties as well as the development partnership. Another milestone in India Tunisia relations with signing of Cultural Exchange Programme boosting cooperation in theatre, dance, music, exhibitions, archaeology, museums, literature, festivals.
Tunisia and India have both made significant strides in economic development. What are some of the major sectors where Tunisia sees potential for increased trade and investment with India?
Tunisia has been a reliable source of phosphate exports to India since the 1950s. India purchases over 50% of Tunisia’s total phosphoric acid exports. The major commodities exported from India to Tunisia are knocked-down kits, automobiles, electrical items, cotton, mechanical engines.
We are looking forward to facilitating trade in agriculture products between the two countries by promoting mutual entry of quality Tunisian and Indian ago-products in the market of the parties.
Furthermore, olive oil, dates, pharmaceuticals, commercial/farm vehicles and spare parts, machinery, renewable energy, heavy construction equipment, two wheelers, software exports and the services sector (tourism and hospitality) are the main areas where we can enhance our exports.
Tunisia is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes and historical significance. How is Tunisia working to attract Indian tourists, and what unique experiences does the country offer that might appeal specifically to Indian travelers.
Due to its moderate Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and outstanding antiquities, Tunisia enjoys an extensive tourism sector. The Government provides robust incentives for investment in this area. Investment opportunities in tourism include cultural and historical tours, golf packages, desert excursions, and medical tourism.
Tunisia offers a wide choice of filming locations that could suit all sorts of productions. Many of its towns have a traditional look, with well-preserved architecture that would be ideal for a historic piece.
Shooting Indian films in Tunisia will be a significant driver of tourism. By transforming iconic reel-life locations into sought-after travel destinations, and influences travel trends, inspiring countless fans to explore the sites featured in their favorite films.
Tunisia offers a strategic location as a gateway to Africa and Europe. What specific investment opportunities exist for Indian businesses, and what incentives does the Tunisian government provide to foreign investors.
Excellent opportunities exist for potential investors, especially in sectors that would benefit from Indian technology, such as renewable energy (including green hydrogen), aeronautics, transportation, healthcare, and information and communications technologies. To a lesser extent, noteworthy commercial prospects may be identified in more labor-intensive, offshore (export-oriented) manufacturing industries such as textiles and apparel, agribusiness, aerospace, electronics, and mechanical and electrical equipment. A sizable market exists in Tunisia for agricultural equipment, including tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.
The Tunisian government provides many incentives to foreign investors to name few:
- Freedom to own up to 100% of the company’s capital.
- Freedom to transfer capital.
- Freedom to transfer profits.
- Freedom to invest in the majority of sectors.
- Simplified establishment procedures.
Cultural diplomacy plays an essential role in strengthening international relationships. Tunisian cinema has garnered global recognition in recent years. Are there any initiatives to promote Tunisian films in India, and how do you see cinema as a bridge between the two nations.
We believe that it is very important for Tunisian cinema to reach every Indian citizen. We have participated in several film festivals in various Indian states, where the last released Tunisian films were screened with English subtitles to overcome the language barrier. As far as cinema is concerned, since the previous participation of a number of Tunisian films received admiration from the Indian audience, we will enhance Tunisian participation in film festivals in India.
In a world where boundaries are starting to blur and global connections are growing stronger, Cinema serves as a catalyst for cultural fusion, weaving narratives that transcend borders and enrich the storytelling experience for audiences worldwide, and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
International cinema offers a window into different cultures, traditions, and perspectives.
This phenomenon of cultural fusion in cinema not only fuels creativity but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.
Tunisia has been an advocate for sustainable development and environmental protection. How does Tunisia view its role in global climate action?
The Tunisian Government has made continuously large strides to affirming their commitment to reaching climate goals. With the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol in January 2003, Tunisia made its promise alongside other countries to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The country later affirmed its climate vows with the signing of the Paris Agreement in April 2016 and later ratifying it in 2017, a global commitment which ensures that global temperatures don’t warm past 2 °C. Tunisia also developed the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to guide climate resilience in various sectors such as energy, water, agriculture, and health.
Tunisia recently held successful elections, reinforcing its democratic process. How do these elections reflect Tunisia’s political stability, and what message does Tunisia’s democratic journey send to the broader region and international community?
The promise of democracy persists in Tunisia. The October 13 presidential election runoff that saw Kais Saied, win a landslide victory cements the country’s standing as a bright spot in an otherwise bleak regional landscape marred by authoritarianism, political violence, and war. Indeed, one of the major lessons of the vote is how much electoral politics have normalized. This is the 6th national vote and third presidential election that Tunisia has held since the overthrow of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011.
Building strong people to people ties is crucial for fostering mutual understanding. What initiatives are being taken to enhance educational, cultural, and academic exchanges between Tunisia and India?
The academic ties between Tunisia and India have grown stronger over the years, with a constant inflow of students from Tunisia through the ICCR scholarships.
Integral University, Lucknow and Monastir University, Tunisia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the academic ties between the two universities.
The two countries signed in 2023 in Tunisia a three year Cultural Agreement (2023-2026) boosting cooperation in theatre, dance, music, exhibitions, archaeology, museums, literature, festivals.
Would you like to give any message to our Envoy Excellency readers?
On behalf of the Tunisia Embassy, I wish to thank Envoy Excellency for their good work and sustained effort in keeping their avid readers well informed. This initiative not only highlights the growing interest and appreciation for Tunisia, but also underscores the importance of promoting greater understanding and cooperation between our two nations. I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to all the esteemed contributors for their valuable inputs to Envoy Excellency dedicated to Tunisia.