Tunisia and China Discuss Launch of Cancer Treatment Center in Gabès

A working session was held by the Tunisian diplomatic mission in Beijing to discuss the launch of the cancer treatment center project in Gabès. The meeting was attended by a delegation from the Chinese Agency for Economic Cooperation and Industrialization (AIECO), a public institution responsible for managing public development aid and technical assistance projects, including hospitals, schools, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

According to a statement released by the mission, the meeting was held last week and aimed to accelerate the finalization of technical and operational steps, reduce administrative procedures, and ensure the project's launch by the end of June. The session was dedicated to examining the means to expedite the project's progress and meet the scheduled deadline.

During the meeting, the head of the mission, Adel El Arbi, emphasized the need for all parties involved to work together to start the project on time. He recalled the importance of the project for the Tunisian state, which prioritizes the right of citizens to healthcare and the social role of the state.

The Chinese agency (AIECO) is a public institution responsible for managing public development aid and technical assistance projects funded by the Chinese government. Each year, the agency implements around 400 projects in over 100 countries and regions worldwide.

It is worth noting that a presidential decree was published in the Official Gazette (JORT) in December 2024, ratifying an exchange of letters between Tunisia and China regarding the implementation of the cancer treatment center project at the Gabès hospital. The decree stipulates that the exchange of letters relates to the realization of the cancer treatment center project at the Gabès hospital between Tunisia and China, signed in Beijing on May 31, 2024.

The publication of the decree comes as part of the final preparations for the implementation of the cancer treatment center, which was announced by the President of the Republic, Kais Saied, during a visit to the region on March 14, 2021. The project is one of the major health projects planned in the region, funded by China for construction and equipment, with an estimated budget of 40 million dinars. The center will include radiotherapy, chemotherapy units, and a pharmacy for specific medications.