The Ministry of Commerce is looking with Algeria to create a border free trade zone

Trade and Export Development Minister Samir Abed today announced the start of formal discussions with the Algerian side to study the project to create a free trade zone on the shared border strip between the two countries. The Minister gave details of this project during a hearing before the Industrial, Commercial and Production Sectors committees in Parliament.

The current negotiating plan aims to prepare and study the project in preparation for its activation by 2027. Through this initiative, the two sides are seeking to advance the path of economic development in border states, stimulate joint trade movements and improve the flow of goods and products between Tunisia and Algeria.

During his presentation to the House of Representatives, Ben-Abid said that the main objective of this region is to support border areas, provide opportunities for direct economic activity and facilitate bilateral exchanges. The ministry is coordinating common technical visions to ensure the project's suitability for infrastructure and trade requirements between the two countries.

Algeria had announced in 2024 a plan to create free trade zones with neighbouring countries including Tunisia alongside Mauritania, Libya, Mali and Niger. The economic cooperation between the two countries is also based on the 2008 bilateral trade agreement, which entered into force in 2010 to facilitate the movement of goods, as well as their involvement in the Greater Arab Free Trade Agreement and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The next step is to complete technical studies, logistical arrangements and coordinate Tunisian-Algerian Joint Committees during the next phase before effective implementation is expected in 2027.