China and Tunisia to Strengthen Ties through the "Belt and Road" Initiative
The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Tunisia, Wan Li, stated on Friday that the "Belt and Road" initiative, also known as the "New Silk Road Economic Belt," will strengthen ties between China and Tunisia. In an interview with the Tunisian News Agency (TAP) from his television studio, Wan Li emphasized that the initiative, approved by Chinese President Xi Jinping and joined by Tunisia in 2018 through a memorandum of understanding, presents a major opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic sector.
Key Projects and Investments
Wan Li highlighted several key projects that China has contributed to in Tunisia, including:
- Financing and constructing the cultural and sports center for youth in Ben Arous
- Establishing the International Diplomatic Academy
- Building the university hospital in Sfax
- Participating in the construction of the Bizerte bridge and the Mellegue dam, which are expected to be completed soon
Trade and Investment
The ambassador noted that:
- The volume of trade between China and Tunisia has doubled between 2019 and 2024
- Chinese investments in Tunisia have progressed in several sectors, including:
- Building materials
- Automotive components
- Green energy, with the construction of the country's largest photovoltaic power plant with a capacity of approximately 100 megawatts
Cultural Cooperation
Wan Li also discussed the cultural aspect of Tunisian-Chinese cooperation, announcing plans to:
- Intensify programs promoting people-to-people exchanges
- Develop exchanges of cultural and media delegations He emphasized that this aspect is a cornerstone of the "five links" inscribed in the economic and cultural cooperation agreements between the two countries.
Joining the "Belt and Road" Initiative
Finally, Wan Li recalled that Tunisia joined the "Belt and Road" initiative on July 10, 2018, which was launched by President Xi Jinping in September 2013. The initiative aims to revitalize the ancient Silk Road and strengthen economic and trade cooperation between China and countries along the route.
