Korea-Africa Summit to generate new momentum for Korea, Tunisia relations: Tunisian PM

We are celebrating this year the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tunisia and Korea. It is a significant milestone that calls upon a new vision to build on our shared values and impressive record of cooperation and to look ahead to a new chapter of accomplishments.

The heir of Carthage and the land of Hannibal, Tunisia is at the crossroads of African, Arab and Mediterranean civilizations. Like Korea, it is proud of its deep historical roots and its rich heritage. Like Korea too, with little natural resources, it has invested heavily in the human capital, an investment that yielded significant social and economic benefits.

Determined to chart a new course to move up the global value chains and to transform its economy into high-value-added and knowledge intensive sectors, Tunisia is considering Korea as a model and inspiration.

On a bilateral level, we are moving toward this direction through collaborative quality programs in ITC and other sectors. As a case in point, the development of a Tunisian e-procurement platform, modeled after the Korean e-procurement system KONEPS, is now serving as a showcase of Korean solutions and technologies, attracting interest from African and Latin American countries.

Tunisia is also emerging as a promising investment destination for Korean companies, particularly in the manufacturing of automotive wire harness, with Yura Corporation pointing the way forward for other Korean investors.

Korea’s bold initiative of launching the Korea-Africa Summit and engaging in the new paradigm of partnership with the African continent is perceived by Tunisia as an additional opportunity to generate new momentum for our bilateral relations. As a long-standing friend and reliable partner, Tunisia is determined to contribute actively to the success of the first Korea-Africa Summit and to the advancement of a long-term co-prosperity agenda, leading to shared success.

The Korea-Africa Summit is a testimony to the impressive success of Korea’s growth model and a confirmation of its legitimate ambition to embrace greater responsibilities and contributions extending beyond its immediate regional neighborhood.

Korea’s timely initiative is also a recognition of the potential of Africa as a dynamic force in the global arena and as an emerging investment destination, going through a deep transformative process and writing a new narrative of success and optimism.

The continent has an abundance of resources and is home to a young, tech-savvy population, an adaptable workforce and a burgeoning middle class. Improving infrastructure, accelerating technological transformation and developing inter-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area are being leveraged to develop Africa into a global economic powerhouse.

For Korea, the Potential of African Countries does not relate only to trade expansion opportunities and to infrastructure markets for Korean companies. It is also about Africa’s potential to develop into a major participant in global supply chains for high-technology sectors.

Recent disruptions caused by the pandemic and geopolitical uncertainties, shall urge Korean manufacturers to diversify their production locations and geographical footprint and consider Africa as the new destination for global supply chains.

Tunisia is already positioned to be such a destination. For Korean companies, Tunisia could serve as the hub and a platform for the African continent and beyond, thanks to its strategic location, educated and skilled workforce, modern and constantly improving infrastructure and an elaborate network of free trade arrangements with the whole African continent, the European Union and the Arab world.

This op-ed was written by Tunisian Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani