TUNISI (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Tunisia’s Minister of Trade and Export Development, Samir Obeid, has unveiled a new collaborative initiative with Libya and Algeria aimed at tackling illegal trade, smuggling, and developing the economies of border regions. This announcement came in response to a parliamentary inquiry about the rise of the informal economy and the establishment of free trade zones in Tunisia.
Obeid emphasized that the government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to address the detrimental effects of the parallel economy on Tunisia’s national financial stability. A key component of this effort is engaging young people, who are seen as pivotal in driving regional economic growth.
Central to this initiative is the border town of Ben Guerdane, located near the Libyan border. The Tunisian government plans to transform Ben Guerdane into a dynamic investment hub, generating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth. This aligns with broader efforts to revitalize border areas and create sustainable economic zones that provide dignified living conditions, particularly for youth.
Ras Ajdir, a crucial border crossing between Tunisia and Libya situated about 30 kilometers from Ben Guerdane, has long been a focal point for informal trade. The crossing is vital to the trade route between the two nations and plays an important role in the local economy. However, it has also become a hotspot for smuggling, with goods like fuel, electronics, and food often being illegally traded.
In recent months, Libyan authorities have ramped up anti-smuggling operations at Ras Ajdir, leading to a rise in tensions between the two countries. Libyan security forces have detained numerous individuals and confiscated vehicles involved in the illicit trade. In response, Tunisia has sought diplomatic solutions to ease the strain.
Libya’s interim Government of National Unity recently dispatched an envoy to Tunisia, resulting in diplomatic talks that led to the release of detainees from both sides. Several individuals and their vehicles were freed, while Tunisia also released three Libyans accused of smuggling subsidized food products.
This new regional initiative, backed by Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria, seeks to create a more secure and economically stable environment for the border communities, providing both sustainable growth and stronger ties between the neighboring countries.
-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
