A NEW STEP BY ASO TOWARDS THE AFRICAN MARKET
COOPERATION BETWEEN ASO AND THE SFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY OF TUNISIA
A cooperation protocol aimed at strengthening economic and commercial relations was signed between the Ankara Chamber of Industry (ASO) and the Sfax Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tunisia. The protocol, signed by ASO President Seyit Ardıç and Sfax Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Habib Hammami in the presence of Tunisia’s Ambassador to Ankara Ahmed Ben Sghaier, aims to further strengthen economic relations between the two countries, increase mutual investment opportunities, and establish a communication network between the two chambers.
The signing ceremony, hosted by ASO President Seyit Ardıç, was attended by Tunisia’s Ambassador to Ankara Ahmed Ben Sghaier, Sfax Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Habib Hammami, Vice President Hichem Elloumi, Board Member Taha Chaabouni, Sfax Secretary General Leila Ben Salah, ASO Deputy Secretary General Dr. Ahmet Dinçer, and Economic Advisor Prof. Dr. Murat Çetinkaya.
“COOPERATION BETWEEN TÜRKİYE AND TUNISIA WILL GROW STRONGER”
ASO President Seyit Ardıç stated that the signed protocol represents not only cooperation between two institutions, but also the further strengthening of the long-standing friendship and economic relations between Türkiye and Tunisia.
President Ardıç noted that the celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Tunisia this year adds special significance to the cooperation, while also pointing out that the trade volume between the two countries remains below its full potential.
“As of 2025, Türkiye’s exports to Tunisia stand at approximately USD 1.2 billion, while imports amount to USD 346 million. Specifically for Ankara, our exports are at the level of USD 32 million, while imports are approximately USD 3 million. These figures demonstrate that our cooperation has not yet reached the level we desire,” said President Ardıç.
“OUR GOAL IS TO INCREASE TRADE VOLUME”
Emphasizing the strong cooperation potential between the two countries, President Ardıç stated:
“The signed protocol will be an important step toward realizing this potential. Our goal is to increase our trade volume, diversify our cooperation, and establish a stronger and more sustainable economic partnership between Ankara and Tunisia.”
President Ardıç also noted that Ankara’s industry possesses a strong production infrastructure in many sectors, including defense, machinery, automotive sub-industry, electrical-electronics, and food.
“This structure offers significant cooperation opportunities with Tunisia in areas such as machinery, textiles, food processing, renewable energy, and information technologies. In addition, Tunisia’s extensive trade network makes it a strategic gateway to third countries. Through this protocol, we aim to increase the number of trade delegations, enhance face-to-face interactions between our business communities, and strengthen joint investment and technology cooperation.”
“TÜRKİYE IS ONE OF THE COUNTRIES WITH WHICH WE HAVE THE STRONGEST DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS”
Speaking at the ceremony, Tunisia’s Ambassador to Ankara Ahmed Ben Sghaier emphasized that the signed protocol would provide new momentum to economic cooperation between the two countries.
Ambassador Ben Sghaier stated that the Sfax Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the first economic delegation to visit Türkiye within the framework of the 70th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations, adding that the long-established diplomatic ties between Türkiye and Tunisia continue to strengthen economically as well.
“Türkiye is among the countries with which we maintain the strongest diplomatic relations,” said Ben Sghaier, noting that this meaningful gathering at the Ankara Chamber of Industry would further reinforce the ties between the industrialists of the two brotherly countries.
Ben Sghaier also stressed that the cooperation protocol would not only enhance existing relations but also pave the way for new investment and trade opportunities:
“We believe that this agreement will increase mutual projects and elevate economic relations between our two countries to a higher level. This cooperation will contribute to the development of sustainable and multidimensional economic partnerships between Türkiye and Tunisia.”
“OUR JOINT PRESENCE IN AFRICAN MARKETS WILL GROW STRONGER”
Sfax Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Habib Hammami highlighted that the Sfax region, with its dynamic structure, is one of Tunisia’s most important trade and production centers.
Hammami stated:
“We see cooperation between our two countries improving day by day. We believe that the signed protocol will open new horizons for our institutions, contribute to economic development in both countries, and provide an important opportunity to strengthen our joint presence in African markets.”
MUTUAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO BE EXPANDED
Within the scope of the cooperation agreement, the parties aim to strengthen industrial and trade relations between Türkiye and Tunisia, increase mutual investment opportunities, and establish a more effective communication and business network between the two business communities.
In this framework, activities will include business matchmaking initiatives, joint events, vocational and technical training support, entrepreneurship and capacity-building programs, and projects aimed at the exchange of knowledge and experience.
The cooperation is intended to contribute to the establishment of sustainable partnerships between the business communities of Ankara and Sfax, while supporting the economic development of both countries.
.jpg)
