Trade cooperation

The Deputy Minister emphasized that Poland is a major producer and exporter of food, among others of cereals (at present Poland is one of the leading cereal producers in the European Union). At the same time, he pointed out at the readiness to increase the volume and range of the Polish agricultural export. The Secretary of State expressed his hope on swift agreement of the conditions of meat and poultry products access to the Tunisian market.

Ambassador Chebbi confirmed the interest of the Tunisian party in further development of the cooperation with Poland, including in the field of agricultural trade. He pointed out at the potential of exporting cereals to Tunisia and also encouraged the Polish companies to undertake joint initiatives with the Tunisian partners to enter the other African markets.

Food security

The Ambassador reminded of the key importance of food security, which has been negatively affected by the Russian aggression in Ukraine as well as the progressing climate change. Thus, in his opinion, implementation of the technological innovations in agriculture and sharing experiences at the expert level are of importance.

Scientific cooperation

Deputy Minister Jacek Czerniak confirmed readiness of research institutes under the supervision of the MARD to strengthen relations with their Tunisian counterparts.  He also expressed his hope that participation in joint research and sharing experiences will contribute to better resilience of the Polish and Tunisian agricultural sectors to any potential crises.

Trading

In 2023, the value of export of the agri-food products to Tunisia amounted to EUR 5.4 million. Our main export products included cheeses and curds, food products not elsewhere specified, butter and other fats derived from milk.  In the 1Q of 2024, a significant increase in export to Tunisia up to EUR 16.8 million y/y was recorded. This increase resulted from export of sugar of nearly EUR 15.5 million in value.