Interview Omar Behi « Tunisia has an important role to play in Africa »

Omar Behi, Tunisian Minister of Commerce, delivered, exclusively for ANA, the keys of the African strategy of Tunisia.

Tunisia is still hesitant to move towards Africa …

Everyone looks to Africa when, it is true, we do not look at it enough or as it should be. Foreign companies are jostling on the continent and us? We must change the way we work. Companies from all over the world when they come to work in Tunisia or Africa, enter into a consortium with local companies. We are not yet used to working together. To do this, we must learn to trust each other, trust in our skills, our companies, our design offices … And we, the policy, we must support our companies to ensure that public procurement rules are respected. And build the Africa of tomorrow with our hands.

Tunisia, however, has expertise to export. This is the African « map » of Tunisia: an exchange of know-how?

Tunisia is aware of its potential and its limits. In terms of services, in agribusiness, construction, health … Tunisia has skills to offer. A substantial Tunisian know-how which will then open towards other trades. Tunisia will not only export to these countries but it will also import, make the transfer of skills, training, technical assistance … Tunisia has an important panoply to offer as long as this relationship is based on mutual interests.

If Tunisia has an economic role to play on the continent, does it not also have a diplomatic role to play, given its diplomatic tradition, Tunisia has only allies and no enemies? Maghreb, divided, slows African integration?

Certainly. And Tunisia wants to be part of these large regional groups. That’s why it joined Comesa last June. Because Tunisia is aware of its limits and therefore of interest for it to join these regional groups and speak with one voice. For example, at the WTO Summit in Buenos Aires, it was the voice of the African Union. The African Union was a force. While knowing reason, of course, the AU remains a force that allows, collectively, to weigh on the international scene. What today no country can do alone. It is therefore relevant for Tunisia which, as you have recalled, has always based its diplomatic relations on respect for other countries and integration, to play a role in the Maghreb Union and the African Union. With the free trade zone also that Tunisia has ratified and will come into force. Therefore, I think we have several cards to play. That the integration of Tunisia into its African space is necessary. Economically but not only. On the cultural level too. Tunisia enjoys a very good image in Africa. Many African leaders have studied in Tunisia. We have not always been profitable on this capital sympathy. It is high time for us to return to our Africanity. Through relationships based on respect and mutual interests. And I think that is how Tunisia, but also African countries, will be able to work together to build a better future for our people.