The work of the fifth edition of the International Conference on “Financing Investments and Trade in Africa – VITA 2022” began today in Tunis.
The Egyptian-African Businessmen Association, Headed by Dr. YousrEy Elsharkawi, participated at the conference, The conference is organized The Tunisian-African Business Council in cooperation with the Tunisian Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economy and Planning, With the participation of no less than 500 political and economic figures from 45 countries and more than 3,500 Tunisian and foreign businessmen.
The Tunisian Prime Minister, Najla Boudin, opened the work of this two-day session. In a speech in which she called for the crystallization of new and innovative concepts to meet the challenges of the African continent and to advance social and economic development, growth, investment development and business practice.
Najla Boden pointed out that the figures for the African continent and related to trade exchange represent only 2% of world trade, despite the fact that its population represents 17% of the world’s population.
Elsharkawi stressed during his speech that intra-African trade exchanges represent 17%, compared to 59% in the Asian continent and 68% in Europe. Stressing, in this context, the importance of establishing the African Free Trade Zone, which has made it possible to eliminate 90% of customs tariffs, As well as the freedom to exchange goods and services in a way that achieves multiple economic advantages in growth, investment and employment.
He also stressed the importance of the green economy through investing in clean and renewable energies and encouraging initiatives and projects. As a strategic direction that will help confront climate change and contain its effects on the African continent.
ElSharkawi concluded his speech with sincere and sincere words and said: “Is it conceivable that who owns global food security, and who owns agriculture and primary commodities languish in the last rows… and for how long?”
It is worth noting that this session of the conference aims to open horizons to the various challenges facing Africa, and trying to answer a number of important questions, What are the features of the economic recovery plan for Africa, And how to reduce inflation and address indebtedness and trade pressures.
Tunisia is betting on strengthening cooperation with African countries by weaving partnerships within the framework of joint strategies capable of establishing economic integration that would enable it to revive its economy and advance sustainable development efforts that would achieve the aspirations of its people.
Tunisia looks forward to this meeting, The opportunity to introduce the program’s mechanisms to encourage small and medium enterprises to head towards African markets and expand their activities, whether at the level of export or the establishment of investment projects.
The conference concluded with the Prime Minister honoring a number of attendees. Dr. Yousrey Elsharkawi was honored; For his participation in the Tunisian investment conference.
