Tunisia can transform its economic relationship with China to address current challenges, says economist Ridha Chkoundali

In a Facebook post on Friday, August 28, 2026, he suggested that the current trade imbalance could become an opportunity if the relationship shifts from import-centric to a genuine investment partnership. Chkoundali highlighted that the existing economic relations are marked by a "structural trade imbalance," leading to a "hemorrhage of foreign currency" for Tunisia. He proposes three key areas for transformation.

First, Chkoundali suggests nearshoring, attracting Chinese industrial investments to Tunisia to produce goods for the European market. He notes that the geographical distance between China and Europe results in high logistical costs, long delivery times, and a carbon footprint increasingly penalized by new European standards. Tunisia's proximity to the European Union could make it a production base for Chinese manufacturers, increasing exports of locally manufactured products with Chinese capital, reducing the bilateral trade deficit, and limiting foreign currency outflows.

This strategy could also support economic growth and alleviate public debt. Second, Chkoundali points to renewable energies. He emphasizes the impact of the energy deficit on Tunisia's economy and sees China's industrial and technological capabilities in solar, wind, and electric mobility as a lever for Tunisia's energy transition.

However, he also identifies Tu