The EFTA States and Tunisia update Free Trade Agreement with modernised rules of origin

Mr Frank Büchel, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva, acted as the EFTA spokesperson, while Mr Sabri Bachtobji, Ambassador at the Permanent Mission of Tunisia to the United Nations Office at Geneva and specialised institutions in Switzerland, headed the Tunisian delegation.

The Joint Committee discussed the operation of the FTA, focusing on trade in goods, rules of origin and preference utilisation. Furthermore, the Joint Committee adopted a decision to amend Protocol B to the FTA to reflect the latest developments and incorporate a dynamic link to the revised pan-Euro Mediterranean (PEM) Convention.

The update made to the EFTA–Tunisia FTA, along with the corresponding amendments to the Bilateral Agricultural Agreements between the EFTA States and Tunisia, were formalised during a signing ceremony.

“I am confident that the adoption of this modernised set of rules of origin will strengthen the economic ties between the EFTA States and Tunisia and provide a better framework for exporters and economic operators on both sides”, said the EFTA spokesperson for the process, Ambassador Frank Büchel.

EFTA’s full report of the meeting is available here.

Economic relations between the EFTA States and Tunisia

In 2023, the EFTA States exported goods worth EUR 184 million to Tunisia. Pharmaceutical products, electrical machinery, tobacco and mechanical appliances were the most important exports. In return, EFTA’s imports from Tunisia amounted to EUR 319 million and mainly consisted of woven and knitted apparel, electrical machinery, salts and footwear.

Read more about merchandise trade between EFTA and Tunisia here.