The House of People’s Representatives (ARP), on Wednesday, passed with 111 votes in favor and 1 against, the draft organic law adopting the agreement to host COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) activities in Tunisia, signed by the Tunisian authorities on June 19, 2023.
The agreement comprises 12 articles covering meetings, workshops and activities organized by COMESA and its related institutions in member countries, as well as facilities granted to COMESA officials, experts and representatives of member states participating in these various events.
The adoption of this draft law will enable Tunisian officials to consolidate their capacities in the various technical fields and economic operators to benefit from the advantages offered by the Convention.
It will also strengthen the presence of Tunisian expertise within the Organization and its various institutions.
Minister of Trade and Export Development, Kalthoum Ben Rejeb, took the opportunity to point out that by adopting this agreement, Tunisia would be able to grant COMESA the necessary facilities (VAT exemption, visas, etc.) to enable it to organize its events and meetings in Tunisia.
“This will help to raise Tunisia’s profile in Africa and internationally as a model destination, particularly in terms of conference tourism, and as an attractive country for investment,” she noted.
On another level, the Minister pointed out that Tunisia had carried out 47 export operations to African countries within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
