Strengthening Economic Ties between Senegal and Tunisia
During the 2024 Tunisia Africa Business Meetings (TABM), Modou Mbène Guèye, Director General of the Senegalese Export Promotion Agency (ASEPEX), highlighted the strong economic and commercial relations between Senegal and Tunisia. These long-standing relations are exemplified by the creation of the Senegal-Tunisia Bank in the 1980s, a project that testifies to the solidity of the ties between the two countries.
Trade Balance and Opportunities
In 2022, Senegal imported $45 million worth of goods from Tunisia, while Senegalese exports to Tunisia reached $11 million, resulting in a trade deficit of $35 million for Senegal. Despite this imbalance, the TABM 2024 offers a unique platform to rebalance trade and create new business opportunities.
A Precious Opportunity for Senegalese Businesses
The TABM 2024 presents a valuable opportunity for Senegalese businesses to develop their affairs. Modou Mbène Guèye encouraged Tunisian businesses to invest more in Dakar. "Recently, Senegal has become an oil-producing country, which means that business opportunities are much more numerous. It's time for Tunisian businesses to come and invest in Dakar and do business," he declared. The ASEPEX Director General also highlighted Senegal's political stability and the numerous opportunities offered to SMEs. "We have invested in infrastructure, particularly roads. This is an opportunity for SMEs in the construction sector to come to Senegal, develop, and invest," he added.
Overcoming Commercial Challenges
Modou Mbène Guèye noted that commercial challenges are being overcome thanks to conventions such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which represents the largest global market with 1.3 billion consumers. However, he emphasized that customs barriers between African countries remain high, and the issue of visas needs to be addressed to facilitate trade.
Tunisia's Place in Senegal's New Policy
In response to a question about Tunisia's place in Senegal's new policy, which prioritizes African countries, the ASEPEX Director General affirmed that "Tunisia will have the place it wants to occupy." He recalled that in terms of trade exchanges, "Tunisia currently occupies the 40th place with Senegal."
Conclusion
Modou Mbène Guèye concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening economic ties between Senegal and Tunisia for mutual and sustainable development. He called for increased cooperation, highlighting that Tunisian businesses have much to gain by investing in Senegal.