The Minister of Trade and Export Development, Samir Abid, declared, during the regional conference of the fifth district dedicated to the promotion of dates and olive oil, held this morning in Douz (governorate of Kebili), that Tunisia achieved this year a record harvest of olive oil, dates and citrus fruits. He stressed the need to mobilize all efforts to succeed in the storage and marketing operations of these strategic products.
The minister highlighted the importance of strengthening the local promotion of dates and olive oil, two products with high economic and social value, but also symbols of Tunisian agricultural heritage widely recognized internationally.
The regional director of the Interprofessional Date Group in Kebili, Ayyad Ben Hamed, announced that national production of dates reached around 400,000 tonnes this season, with stability in exports despite the expansion of outlets to new markets.
He indicated that the group’s marketing and promotion commission submitted several proposals, including the implementation of measures to facilitate the transport of dates from production areas, as well as their storage for a maximum period of ten months in order to preserve the quality of the exceptional harvest. Other recommendations relate to strengthening promotional campaigns, financial support for exporters, updating the decree relating to storage support for small farmers, as well as the sale of dates at preferential prices via cooperatives of state agents and public companies in order to stimulate local consumption.
He also raised the possibility of granting compensation to Tunisian exporters to the American market, due to additional customs duties imposed on certain Tunisian products.
A more dynamic national export strategy
For his part, Mourad Ben Hussein, President and CEO of the Export Promotion Center (CEPEX), stressed that this meeting aims to support exporting companies and adapt promotion strategies to developments in world markets.
He highlighted the interventions of the Export Promotion Fund and the financial aid granted to exporters, while recalling the role of CEPEX in supporting Tunisian participation in international fairs, the organization of economic missions and the reception of foreign importers.
