TUNIS, Tunisia – On the sidelines of the symposium “China-Africa: Opportunities and Prospects for a Community with a Shared Future in the New Era”, held recently at the International Diplomatic Academy of Tunis, we had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Wan Li, China’s Ambassador to Tunisia. With the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, on the horizon, the conversation shifted to key topics such as Sino-Tunisian relations, the BRICS initiative, the Global South, and “de-dollarization.”
One of the main highlights of our discussion was the recent visit by Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed to China, which marked a significant milestone in the growing cooperation between Tunisia and China.
Sino-Tunisian Cooperation Expands: Key Agreements and Projects
During President Saïed’s visit to China, eight strategic cooperation agreements were signed, covering a broad range of sectors, including green development, trade and investment, development aid, and media relations. Ambassador Wan Li provided insights into the current status of these agreements, noting that while some still require parliamentary approval in Tunisia, both sides are actively working on the implementation of the projects.
Among the notable initiatives, the Chinese government has already approved the Gabes Cancer Center project, and preparations are underway for the bidding process for the project’s design. Furthermore, a delegation from the State Administration of Radio and Television of China visited Tunisia in June 2024 to discuss the implementation of a media cooperation agreement with the Tunisian Radio Establishment.
Ambassador Wan emphasized that these agreements will create new opportunities for Sino-Tunisian cooperation, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries. “With the joint efforts of both sides, we are confident that cooperation in various fields will continue to progress successfully,” he stated.
Enfidha Deep-Sea Port: A Potential Gateway on the Silk Road
A key point of discussion was the Enfidha deep-sea port project, which has the potential to become an essential transit point on the New Silk Road. The first phase of the project was tendered by the Tunisian government in 2017, with China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd participating in the bidding process. However, the results have yet to be announced by the Tunisian authorities.
Ambassador Wan reiterated China’s continued interest in collaborating with Tunisia on major infrastructure projects. “The Chinese government encourages Chinese enterprises to explore opportunities for cooperation with Tunisia and to engage in the construction of significant infrastructure projects, following the principles of trade and market dynamics,” he explained. Although the port project is still pending, China remains open to further discussions with Tunisian authorities.
Overcoming Legal Obstacles: Improving Sino-Tunisian Relations
One challenge facing Sino-Tunisian cooperation is the difference in legal frameworks, particularly in areas such as bidding regulations. Ambassador Wan acknowledged these discrepancies but expressed hope that both countries would continue to engage in friendly consultations to address these issues. “We believe that through dialogue and mutual understanding, we can find solutions that will further enhance our bilateral cooperation,” he remarked.
Green Technology and Investment Opportunities: The Future of Sino-Tunisian Joint Ventures
China is a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) and solar panel manufacturing, and Ambassador Wan highlighted the possibility of Chinese investment in Tunisia’s green energy sector. From January to September 2024, China produced over 8.3 million new energy vehicles, a 30% increase from the previous year. This growth underscores China’s commitment to expanding its leadership in green technology.
Ambassador Wan expressed optimism about the potential for joint ventures between Chinese and Tunisian companies in these vital sectors. “Given China’s strength in renewable energy and electric vehicles, we are hopeful that this expertise will foster valuable partnerships with Tunisia, especially in the fields of green development and clean energy,” he said.
Tunisia’s Role in the Global South and BRICS
As the world shifts toward multipolarity, the role of the Global South in reshaping global governance is gaining momentum. In this context, the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, is seen as an important step in fostering greater collaboration among emerging economies. Ambassador Wan spoke to the importance of the BRICS alliance, particularly in promoting “de-dollarization” and increasing the influence of non-Western countries in global decision-making.
“We believe that the BRICS framework can offer meaningful contributions to global development, particularly for countries in the Global South. Tunisia, as an important player in the region, will have opportunities to engage more closely with BRICS nations in the coming years,” he concluded.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Sino-Tunisian Relations
In conclusion, the interview with Ambassador Wan Li highlights the promising future of Sino-Tunisian relations. With ongoing and upcoming projects in key sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and media, both countries are poised for continued collaboration and mutual growth. The joint efforts of Tunisia and China will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of their partnership in the years to come.
As Sino-Tunisian cooperation progresses, both governments are committed to overcoming obstacles and exploring new avenues for collaboration that benefit both nations and contribute to the broader goals of the Global South.
Keywords: Sino-Tunisian cooperation, China-Tunisia relations, BRICS summit 2024, Enfidha deep-sea port, Gabes Cancer Center, green technology investment, de-dollarization, electric vehicles, renewable energy, Tunisia-China partnerships
