Strengthen trade relations with Tunisia through shipping safety, environmental sustainability, digital transition, and training.
This is what prompted Port Network Authority (PNA) President Davide Gariglio to welcome the Tunisian Consul in Rome, Marwen Kablouti at Palazzo Rosciano this morning.
The meeting, which was also attended by the former president of Asamar, Francesca Scali, was constructive. PNA personnel from the Development & Innovation department and the Promotion department presented the network ports, infrastructure projects in the pipeline, and ecological and digital transition projects, with a keen eye on the opportunities for developing a green corridor between Livorno and the African country.
“The southern banks of the Mediterranean,” Mr. Gariglio stated, “are a strategic area of prime importance. It is also the natural hub for many Motorways of the Sea routes. This type of traffic that is now becoming increasingly significant in light of the growing importance of nearshoring and reshoring processes.” The PNA president went on to stress how the meeting represents “an important opportunity to reflect on how Tunisia and Italy can become key players in the broader Mediterranean area.” “Our aim” , he added, is to “build a new equilibrium based on an innovative approach to cooperation.”
The Tunisian consul was of the same opinion. In his speech he highlighted the strategic role that Italy plays in Tunisian trade.
Marwen Kablouti said he hopes to draw on Livorno PNA’s expertise to manage future traffic flows that may be generated by new port construction projects in Tunisia. He launched the idea of organizing a day of in-depth analysis in Livorno, probably in April, to present Tunisia and illustrate the business opportunities for Italian companies looking to expand into the African country. Mr. Kablouti spoke about the strategic role of the Zarsis Free Zone, one of Tunisia’s two special economic zones (the other being Bizerte), which offers significant tax and customs advantages for industrial, commercial, and service investments, with the aim of attracting investment and promoting exports.
The meeting ended with the customary exchange of crests and the prospect of a continuous collaboration based on the implementation of RO/RO traffic flows, environmental sustainability, and digititalization.
Translation by Giles Foster
