(Ecofin Agency) - • Tunisia and Japan agreed to finalize a new investment deal during a meeting in Tunis on April 21.
• The two countries reviewed the progress of current cooperation projects and explored new areas of partnership.
• In 2024, trade between them totaled $218.7 million, led by vehicles, machinery, and electrical equipment.

Tunisia and Japan have confirmed their shared goal of strengthening economic ties through a new agreement focused on protecting and encouraging investment.

The agreement was discussed during a meeting held on April 21 in Tunis between Tunisia’s Minister of Economy and Planning, Samir Abdelhafidh, and Japan’s ambassador to Tunisia, Takeshi Osuga. The meeting also included the head of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) office in Tunis.

In a statement published the next day, Tunisia’s Ministry of Economy said the meeting focused on reviewing the status of current cooperation projects and identifying new opportunities for technical and financial collaboration.

"The two sides stressed the importance of long-term cooperation and the desire to strengthen their partnership further, highlighting the need to move forward with preparations for the investment protection and promotion agreement," the statement read.

Japan and Tunisia have maintained ties for several decades. Their cooperation spans several sectors, including the economy, education, healthcare, and culture. Japan supports Tunisia through loans, infrastructure projects, training programs, and the work of JICA, as well as through its broader Africa strategy under the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), trade between the two countries reached $218.7 million in 2024. The main product categories traded included vehicles (excluding railway equipment), mechanical machinery, and electrical equipment.

During the meeting, the two countries also highlighted Tunisia’s expected participation in TICAD 9, emphasizing its key role in African development.