Economic Relations between Tunisia and Malaysia: Unlocking New Opportunities
The economic relationship between Tunisia and Malaysia remains underutilized, despite several areas of convergence, including the agro-food industry, pharmaceuticals, halal products, digital technology, and technological services.
A Meeting to Strengthen Economic Ties
On July 17, the Malaysian Ambassador to Tunisia, Rizany Irwan Muhamad Mazlan, was received at the FIPA-Tunisia headquarters by Jalel Tebib, Director General of FIPA and interim President of the Tunisia Investment Authority (TIA), as well as Thouraya Khayati, Director of International Marketing at FIPA and General Commissioner of the Tunisia Investment Forum 2026. The two parties discussed ways to strengthen economic ties between the two countries and identify sectors where Malaysian companies could find opportunities in Tunisia.
Current Trade Relations
Trade between Tunisia and Malaysia remains modest, with Tunisian exports to Malaysia representing approximately $17 million in 2024, while imports from Malaysia exceeded $70 million, according to Trading Economics data. These figures show that while a relationship exists, it is still concentrated on a few products and does not reflect the potential of the two economies.
Shifting from Traditional Trade to Partnership
The goal is to move from a traditional trade relationship to a partnership-based approach, particularly through cross-investments and industrial collaborations. Several sectors were discussed during the meeting, including the halal industry, which has become a significant economic driver for Malaysia. The country has developed an ecosystem that goes beyond food to include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and services, relying on the certification system of the Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM), considered a reference in the field.
Opportunities for Cooperation
Malaysia's experience in the halal industry and tourism could open up avenues for cooperation with Tunisia. The country already has a structured agro-food industry, an exporting pharmaceutical sector, and expertise in several natural products. Partnerships with Malaysian actors could involve product valorization, certification standards, distribution, or access to certain Asian markets.
Agro-Food Industry: A Natural Area for Rapprochement
The agro-food industry appears to be a natural area for rapprochement between the two countries. Tunisian products such as olive oil, dates, and certain transformed products have potential on Asian markets, while Malaysia has expertise in transformation, packaging, and international marketing.
Tunisia's Strategic Position
For Malaysian companies, Tunisia's interest extends beyond its domestic market. The country highlights its geographical position, between Europe, Africa, the Maghreb, and the Middle East, as a hub for developing regional activities. This is one of the arguments put forward by FIPA-Tunisia to attract foreign investors.
Digital Technology: A Sector with Cooperation Potential
The digital sector was also identified as an area for potential cooperation between FIPA-Tunisia and the Malaysian Embassy. Both countries have technological ecosystems that could open up avenues for cooperation, such as in IT services, digital solutions, and innovation.
Next Steps
The meeting between FIPA-Tunisia and the Malaysian Embassy has opened up several avenues for cooperation. The challenge will be to move from intentions to projects, through exchanges between companies, sectoral partnerships, and increased presence in the economic events of both countries.
