Burundi wants to accelerate the process of industrialization. In this sense, a cooperation agreement between the government of Burundi and that of Tunisia has just been adopted by the Council of Ministers.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and his Tunisian counterpart during the signing of a cooperation agreement between these two countries.
Burundi wishes to equip itself with modern industries to boost its economy. In this case, it must collaborate with more advanced countries. The underdeveloped countries must cooperate with the developed countries to benefit from their share of the transfer of modern technologies or the means to be used so that there is better economic growth, unfailing industrial competitiveness, we read in the press release. sanctioning the Council of Ministers of March 15, 2023.
It is in this sense that the Burundian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation signed a cooperation agreement with his Tunisian counterpart in November 2022 in Djerba.
An economy dependent on mining and industrial exploitation?
Tunisia has a large number of companies working in different sectors, including the mining sector, the energy sector, the food industry, the pharmaceutical industries, the automotive industry, etc.
Between 1960 and 1970, the mining industry was very diversified and successful. But, since 2005, the mines have been closed. The extractive mineral industry is today limited to the iron deposits of Jerissa and Tamera.
An economy in crisis
According to our colleagues from France 24, Tunisia is currently going through a worse economic crisis. Between 2019 and 2021, Tunisia saw its public debt increase to 32 billion euros, or 85.5% of GDP.
In 2022, theinflation has exceeded 10% in a context of volatile commodity prices. The country is experiencing a rise in food prices, especially meat, eggs and oils, following the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian crisis.
Is economic diplomacy on the move?
Given the economic crisis that is shaking the two signatory countries of the agreement, there is reason to wonder what Burundi will get from this cooperation agreement with Tunisia.
Burundi is strengthening its cooperation with the other countries of the African continent, those of the Gulf with the objective that these agreements can contribute to the social and economic development of our country.
