UK seeks trade opportunities in Tunisia

A British trade delegation began a visit to Tunisia yesterday to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and seek new opportunities for cooperation, the British Embassy in Tunisia said in a post on Facebook.

The delegation includes the Lord Mayor of London, Lord Andrew Barmlevi, and the British Prime Minister’s envoy in charge of trade relations with Tunisia, Andrew Murrison and business leaders.

Murrison said he would discuss with Tunisian officials possible ways of providing assistance for the development of the financial sector in the north African country.

According to Murrison, the two sides will discuss cooperation in the field of Islamic finance, “which has become an important financial market today”.

“The United Kingdom has become a global leader in the field of Islamic finance education, with more than 70 institutions offering courses and 22 universities offering a master’s degree in Islamic finance,” he added.

Andrew Barmlevi said the visit stems from his belief in the potential for growth in Islamic finance and financial technologies in Tunisia.

“These sectors can bring international investment and trade in Tunisia and help make it a global financial hub.”

The UK is on its way out of the EU. This is an important time to strengthen relations around the world, with valuable partners such as Tunisia.

During the visit, the British delegation will meet with Prime Minister Yousuf Chahed, representatives of the Tunisian government, the Central Bank Governor, Shazli Al-Ayari, as well as business leaders.

Tunisia finance minister Lamia Zribi speaks to press after cooperation agreement signing ceremony between UK and Tunisia in Tunis, Tunisia on April 11, 2017. ( Amine Landoulsi – Anadolu Agency )

Lord Mayor of the City of London Andrew Parmley speaks to press after the cooperation agreement signing ceremony between UK and Tunisia in Tunis, Tunisia on April 11, 2017. ( Amine Landoulsi – Anadolu Agency )

Lord Mayor of the City of London Andrew Parmley speaks to press after the cooperation agreement signing ceremony between UK and Tunisia in Tunis, Tunisia on April 11, 2017. ( Amine Landoulsi – Anadolu Agency )

Lord Mayor of the City of London Andrew Parmley speaks to press after the cooperation agreement signing ceremony between UK and Tunisia in Tunis, Tunisia on April 11, 2017. ( Amine Landoulsi – Anadolu Agency )

British Ambassador Louise De Sousa speaks to press after the cooperation agreement signing ceremony between UK and Tunisia in Tunis, Tunisia on April 11, 2017. ( Amine Landoulsi – Anadolu Agency )

Tunisia’s Central Bank Chairman Chedly Ayari (R) and British Ambassador Louise De Sousa (R) sign a cooperation agreement between the two countries in Tunis, Tunisia on 11 April, 2017 [Amine Landoulsi/Anadolu Agency]

Tunisia’s Central Bank Chairman Chedly Ayari speaks to press after the cooperation agreement signing ceremony for UK and Tunisia in Tunis, Tunisia on April 11, 2017. ( Amine Landoulsi – Anadolu Agency )