The second China-Arab States BDS Cooperation Forum took place in Tunis on April 1 and 2, on the heels of the Arab League Summit that took place in the Tunisian capital.
Hassan Ali, Arab League Undersecretary General for Economic Affairs, said, "commercial trade between China and Arab countries is at present estimated at about 218 billion dollars per year, compared to 36 billion dollars in 2004. There's a willingness to see this figure exceeds 600 billion dollars in the coming years."
Chinese delegates at the forum said they plan to focus on the New Silk Road to establish a long term deliberate partnership between China and Arab countries.
China anticipated an increase in trade with Tunisia and the Arab region via e-commerce as well.
President of the Tunisian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Taher Bayahi, said, "the trade gap between Tunisian exports and Chinese imports has expanded, reflecting a notable influx of Chinese goods into Tunisia. The value of Chinese imports to Tunisia has reached five billion dinars, whereas Tunisian exports to China are under 100 million dinars."
"The Chinese market is broad and promising and offers remarkable employment opportunities, especially in the food sector, where Tunisian food products are attractive to the Chinese market", said Bayahi.
Youssef Chahed, Tunisian Prime Minister, admired and applauded the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, which he said will improve the quality of Arab-Tunisian cooperation.
Chahed invited Tunisian businessmen to take advantage of the opportunities in Tunisian-Chinese economic relations.
Chahed said, "Tunisia is working to become a regional hub so that China can arrive in Europe and Africa."
On July 10, 2018, Tunisia signed an agreement in Beijing to join the Belt and Road Initiative.
Tunisian minister for development, investment, and international cooperation, Zied Laahari, recalled that Tunisia has signed accords with China that consist of various projects related to basic infrastructure, such as urban transport, development, and highways.