There is keenness to explore new investment opportunities in Tunisia as it boasts mineral resources such as copper and lead as well as considerable phosphate reserves, said Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef. Saudi Arabia wants to be an active economic partner by means of identifying potential investment opportunities in the private sector, in a bid to boost trade, Bandar said as the 11th session of the Tunisian-Saudi Joint Commission got underway. This joint commission seeks to meet the aspirations of the two peoples for a stronger economic, social and political cooperation considering the common social, cultural and religious heritage, the Saudi minister said. Seven memoranda of understanding will be signed, mainly in industry, tourism, environment, agricultural scientific research, water and employment. Head of the Saudi delegation called for putting in place action mechanisms to follow up issues on the agenda of the meeting and iron out difficulties standing on the way of their implementation. He hailed the positive stances of Tunisia and its support for Saudi Arabia's bid for World Expo 2030 and the World Cup 2034. Minister of Finance Sihem Boughdiri Nemsia laid emphasis on the key role of the joint commission in diversifying areas of economic, financial and technical cooperation and tapping into opportunities offered by government cooperation programmes and the private sector. This is possible by means of harnessing expertise and opportunities of access to markets, including Europe and Africa. The minister said the government eyes diversified cooperation in priority areas, such as food security, water and health security. Taking up the challenges of energy and digital transition, education and scientific research to stimulate development and provide new opportunities for future joint action is an additional goal. Minister of Finance Sihem Boughdiri Nemsia said Tunisia wants to boost the pace of investment in green, blue and sustainable economy. She shed l ight on opportunities of investment in Tunisia in alternative and renewable energies, mainly as part of the European project of Electrical Connectivity which, once finalised, will help export clean energy. Nemsia also said the government seeks to speed up the pace of investments in gree, blue and sustainable economy, such as the seawater desalination plant, waste reclycling plants and water treatment plants. The present session of the joint commission is an opportunity to further consolidate cooperation and partnership to increase trade, investment and technical cooperation within the framework of the Saudi Vision 2030 and Tunisia Vision 2035. The Tunisian-Saudi Forum of Investment and Partnership will be held on Wednesday, as part of this 11th session. Over 300 Saudi business operators are expected to participate. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse