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Satyendra Pathak
Tunis
Qatar's pledge of $1.25 billion financial support for Tunisian economy at the recently concluded international investment conference in Tunis will make partnership between the two countries stronger, a top Tunisian leader has said.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar Tribune, Ennahdha Party President Rached Ghannouchi said that the proposed assistance of $1.25 billion needs to be invested in various projects, including farming and infrastructure.
"This is not the first time Qatar has helped Tunisia. Qatar was an ally, a partner in our revolution and in our democratic transition," Ghannouchi said.
"The Qataris have been incredibly generous and supportive since our revolution, and especially in this conference, helping us financially as well as morally to move Tunisia forward," he said adding that all of that represented the strong relationship built on mutual respect between the two countries.
Praising the present coalition government for organising such a mega event, Ghannouchi said that Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi wanted to move Tunisia forward with the international investment conference.
"Tunisia is a country of promise and our people have great confidence in the positive effects this conference will have in bringing opportunities for economic prosperity and new life to their communities," Ghannouchi said.
Qatar has supported all the different governments as Tunis has seen multiple transitions of power since 2011, he said.
"It is certain that the Qatari support for Tunisia is a clear signal of its support not only for the democratic changes but also for the economic revolution which our country is moving towards. Qatar has been a partner and we hope will become an even stronger economic partner," he said.
"Tunisia historically worked with Europe. Now we are also looking towards our Gulf neighbours to stand with us. Not only Qatar, we also seek greater economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait as well as Emirati organisations and associations," he said.
In the investment conference, he said, the Gulf countries have established themselves as one of Tunisia's main economic partners.
"This shows us how greatly Tunisia is supported by our Arab neighbours, a critical support that is helping us to overcome the many obstacles we are facing," he said.
"Investment is not a loan. This is not a conference asking for loans, for Tunisia to beg on the international stage. We want to present a win-win situation for our friends around the world," he said.
"We are seeing investors increasing their participation in our economy. A large number of international organisations like World Bank, IMF have also participated in the global meet. With this conference, we are looking to help our economy really get on its feet and offer opportunities for our allies," he said.
Ghannouchi said that Tunisia would continue to strengthen trade ties with Qatar by exploring new areas to improve its exports to the country.
