Tunisia & Pakistan Explore Olive Oil Trade & Strengthened Ties
Islamabad – Tunisia is seeking to deepen economic ties with Pakistan, with a particular focus on expanding trade in the olive oil sector, according to remarks made by Tunisian Chargé d’Affaires Dorsaf Maaroufi at an event in Islamabad on Monday.
Maaroufi highlighted the historical relationship between Tunisia and Pakistan, noting Pakistan’s consistent support for Tunisia within international forums, including the United Nations. She emphasized the need to build upon this existing foundation through increased trade, cultural exchange programs, and the promotion of tourism.
A key area of potential collaboration, Maaroufi suggested, lies in Tunisia’s expertise in the production of organic olive oil. She proposed that a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) could facilitate increased market access and streamline trade procedures for both nations, benefiting their respective economies.
The discussion took place during an event hosted by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR). The event commemorated Tunisia’s Independence Day.
Participants, including diplomats, policymakers, and representatives from both the public and private sectors, reaffirmed the strength of bilateral relations and identified opportunities for expanded cooperation in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, speaking at the event, acknowledged that current bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Tunisia remains modest, but underscored the potential for significant growth through the establishment of robust institutional mechanisms and the utilization of broader regional trade frameworks.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed emphasized the shared political and diplomatic history between the two countries, pointing to their common positions on issues such as the Palestinian cause and their collaborative efforts within the Global South. He advocated for stronger economic, educational, and cultural connections to further solidify the relationship.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Javed Ahmed Umrani, noted a positive trend in bilateral trade and highlighted ongoing engagement between business communities. He referenced recent delegations and agreements designed to promote commercial cooperation, while acknowledging the need for continued efforts to fully unlock the untapped potential of the economic partnership.
Attendees, including honorary consular representatives, stressed the importance of negotiating trade agreements, improving connectivity between business sectors, and exploring opportunities for technology transfer, particularly in the realm of olive oil production techniques.
Dorsaf Maaroufi was recently honored with the Global Ambassador Award 2025 for her efforts in strengthening Tunisian-Pakistani relations, according to reports from November 2025. The award, presented by the Diplomatic Insight Group (DIG), recognized her contributions to advancing economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and women’s empowerment between the two countries.
In a separate statement released on International Women’s Day 2026, Maaroufi invoked the poetry of Allama Iqbal, emphasizing the vital role of women in national development and referencing Tunisia’s progress in women’s rights, including the fact that over 74% of Tunisian university graduates are women.