Tunis, 04/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - The EU-Tunisia Association Committee held its 3rd session on 25 September in Tunisia, where it examined the implementation of the Association Agreement, which entered into force in 1998. The evaluation revealed the development of trade trends in 2001, which, according to a Community source, were "very favourable", despite, "all the indicators announcing that 2002 was the most difficult year" due to the international economic climate and the effect of the drought this year. The European side recognises that the, "gradual dismantling of tariffs on industrial products from the EU had a direct impact on the decrease in tax returns" in Tunisia. The Customs Co-operation Committee set up within the framework of this agreement held its first meeting on the eve of the Association session in order to examine the conditions that could facilitate reciprocal access to products.
The Association Committee also exchanged views on perspectives for the liberalisation of the services sector. Discussions are expected to continue in November in the hope of passing through this significant stage by 2004 at the latest, indicated Community sources. "A positive trade development" was observed in the agricultural sector: Tunisian sales to the EU (olive oil, sea food products, dates, citrus fruit and wine) increased by 43% during the period targeted, although trade flows remain too concentrated with four countries. Flows in the opposite direction - the opening up of the Tunisian market to European agricultural products increased (68%) mainly in cereals, seed oils, sugar and seed potato.
In the social arena, the EU and Tunisia began a dialogue that ought to enable them jointly, to "better manage legal immigration and better combat illegal immigration". Contacts with experts have been programmed for the next few months and a regional conference on immigration is planned in Tunis for 16-17 October.
The two delegations also reviewed financial and technical co-operation - Tunisia benefits from assistance of EUR 248 million - recommendation for the speeding up of the finalisation of finance projects (support to civil society, modernisation of the legal apparatus).
According to Community sources, the Danish Presidency broached political aspects by way of a declaration followed by a, "constructive and lively debate".