Tunisia urges Arab nations to redefine development priorities, boost regional trade

Calls for food security, infrastructure, and women’s empowerment as central pillars of inclusive economic growth in Arab world

BAGHDAD, Iraq (MNTV) — Tunisia has called on Arab countries to adopt a new, citizen-centered approach to development, emphasizing the need to bridge knowledge, technological, and economic gaps while expanding trade within the region. 

Speaking on behalf of President Kais Saied, Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti led the country’s delegation and addressed key development and social challenges facing the Arab world. 

The minister also represented Tunisia at the 34th Ordinary Arab Summit held recently in the Iraqi capital.

According to a statement by Tunisia’s Foreign Ministry, the country urged a redefinition of Arab development priorities around a shared, innovative vision focused on the economic and social well-being of Arab citizens.

In his address, Nafti highlighted the limited level of intra-Arab trade, which currently accounts for only 13% of total Arab foreign trade, and stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to enhance trade integration and economic cooperation.

The Tunisian delegation underscored the urgency of addressing food insecurity, water scarcity, and environmental threats—issues increasingly exacerbated by climate change. 

It also emphasized the need for investment in infrastructure, transport, electricity, and smart city development to support economic resilience across the region.

Tunisia reiterated its support for expanding the Greater Arab Free Trade Area and accelerating the transition toward an Arab Customs Union. 

These steps, it argued, are essential to boosting national economies and fostering greater regional interdependence.

Reform, good governance, and equitable distribution of wealth were also presented as prerequisites for achieving sustainable development. 

The delegation stressed the importance of social justice, economic empowerment, and the protection of vulnerable groups in national and regional development plans.

Tunisia reaffirmed its commitment to regional initiatives that promote women’s economic and social inclusion, especially in labor markets and leadership roles. It also called for legislative reforms to ensure gender equality and fair representation.

Looking ahead, Tunisia announced that it will host the preparatory regional meeting for the Second World Summit for Social Development on June 30 and July 1, 2025, in Tunis. The government expressed hope for strong Arab participation in the event.

Tunisia urged the practical implementation of summit recommendations and called for deeper partnerships between Arab nations and regional and international organizations to advance shared development goals.