ISLAMABAD: Tunisia is seeking a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Pakistan to create new opportunities for trade and business between the two countries, Tunisian Chargé d’Affaires Dorsaf Maaroufi has said.
She made the remarks at a farewell reception hosted in her honour by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).
The event brought together senior diplomats, business leaders and representatives of the business community.
Tunisia Seeks Stronger Trade Relations
Maaroufi said a Pakistan-Tunisia PTA could help expand bilateral trade and commercial activity.
She said both countries need to strengthen their economic ties.
Efforts are already underway to increase bilateral trade, she added.
The Tunisian diplomat also appreciated Pakistan’s support for Tunisia at the United Nations.
She said Pakistan’s foreign policy and support for oppressed nations have earned respect in Tunisia.
ICCI Business Delegation Visited Tunisia
Maaroufi recalled the visit of a large ICCI business delegation to Tunisia in 2025.
The delegation attended the International Coffee Festival in Tunisia.
It also signed agreements with several chambers of commerce.
She described the visit as an important step toward expanding business ties between Pakistan and Tunisia.
Maaroufi expressed hope that this cooperation would continue under her successor.
Diplomat Bids Farewell to Pakistan
Maaroufi said Pakistan had become an important part of her professional and personal life.
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Her posting in Pakistan was her first diplomatic assignment.
She said she would leave Pakistan physically but would keep the country close to her heart.
She also pledged to continue supporting friendship between Pakistan and Tunisia after returning home.
Pakistan-Tunisia Relations Have Deep Roots
Secretary General of the United Business Group (UBG) Zafar Bakhtawari said Pakistan and Tunisia have longstanding and brotherly relations.
However, he said economic ties should match the strength of their political and diplomatic relations.
Bakhtawari noted that the friendship between the two countries has historical roots.
He recalled that Tunisian independence leader Habib Bourguiba visited Karachi in 1951.
At the time, Bourguiba was seeking international support for Tunisia’s struggle against French colonial rule.
Pakistan supported Tunisia’s right to self-determination.
Bakhtawari said the historic relationship should now lead to stronger cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people contacts.
Calls for More Business-to-Business Links
Bakhtawari paid tribute to Maaroufi for her five years of diplomatic service in Islamabad.
He said she made an important contribution to Pakistan-Tunisia relations.
He also praised her efforts to build strong links between the Tunisian Embassy and ICCI.
Bakhtawari called for greater direct trade between the two countries.
He also urged both sides to promote tourism, investment and business-to-business contacts.
He expressed hope that Maaroufi would continue to support Pakistan-Tunisia friendship after returning to Tunisia.
Pakistan Wants Stronger Economic Links With Africa
ICCI Acting President Irfan Chaudhry said Pakistan should turn its friendly relations with African countries into stronger economic partnerships.
He said greater engagement with Africa could create new opportunities for Pakistani businesses.
It could also support Pakistan’s economic growth.
Chaudhry praised Maaroufi for her role in improving mutual understanding between Pakistan and Tunisia.
Tunisia’s Cultural and Historical Importance
Director Foreign Affairs of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Asif Luqman Qazi highlighted Tunisia’s contributions to Islamic civilization, education and culture.
He said Tunisia has historically served as an important centre of knowledge and learning.
Qazi also referred to Tunisia’s role in the Arab Spring.
He said Pakistan values its close friendship with Tunisia.
He also praised Maaroufi’s efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries.
PTA Could Open New Economic Opportunities
A preferential trade agreement could provide a new framework for Pakistan-Tunisia commerce.
It could help businesses explore new markets and increase bilateral trade.
Both countries could also benefit from greater cooperation in investment, tourism and business services.
The call for a PTA comes as Pakistan seeks stronger economic engagement with African and Arab markets.
For Pakistan and Tunisia, the next step will be to turn their longstanding diplomatic friendship into stronger commercial ties.
