Exceptional Olive Oil Harvest in the Central Region
The Central region has recorded an exceptional olive oil harvest, described as a "record" by Najib Mellouli, President of the Central Chamber of Commerce and Export Development. Faced with this significant production, authorities and sector players are betting on expanding exports and opening new international markets to absorb the surplus.
Key Figures
- The region has over 21 million olive trees, and this season's production is considered very significant.
- According to Mellouli, 276 certificates of origin have already been issued for export, with a total value of 85 million dinars, to Arab markets (Amman, Morocco, Emirates, Kuwait, Lebanon, Iraq), Asian markets (China, Indonesia, Russia), African markets (Ivory Coast, Kenya, Uganda, Madagascar), American markets (United States, Canada, Brazil), and European markets (Albania, Ukraine).
Expansion of Exports and New Markets
The President of the Chamber also highlighted the importance of finding new markets to absorb the surplus production in a statement to Jawhara Fm. He indicated that a recent meeting with Turkish businessmen showed interest in buying large quantities of olive oil, as well as a willingness to invest in the sector.
International Competitiveness
Minister of Trade Samir Obeid recalled the international competitiveness of the sector, thanks to the diversity and quality of oils, improvements in value chains, and investments made in recent years. The sector's exports have reached 280,000 tons, with a value of 3.75 billion dinars, accounting for over 50% of the country's agricultural and agri-food exports.
Measures to Enhance Added Value
The Ministry of Trade, in coordination with sector players, is implementing several measures to enhance the added value of olive oil, including:
- Support for exports
- Training and accompaniment of operators
- Simplification of commercial procedures
- Opening of new markets
- Diversification of exportable offerings
Specific Initiatives
Specific initiatives include:
- Reorganizing international companies
- Reviewing the legal framework of the Export Promotion Fund
- Updating Decree No. 1743 of 1994 related to external trade operations
- Modernizing the Easy Export system for exports via mail, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication Technologies.
