Islamabad, August 19, 2026: Tunisia’s Chargé d’Affaires Dorsaf Maaroufi has said the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Pakistan and Tunisia will create new opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and commercial activities, urging both countries to translate their longstanding political and diplomatic ties into stronger economic partnerships.
She made the remarks at a farewell reception hosted in her honour by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), which was attended by Rwanda’s High Commissioner Harerimana Fatu, Zimbabwe’s High Commissioner Titus M.J. Abu Basutu, Acting Ambassador of South Africa Rudolph Pierre Jordan, ICCI office-bearers and business leaders.
Maaroufi said Pakistan and Tunisia needed to further strengthen their economic and trade relations and noted that efforts were underway to increase bilateral commerce. She appreciated Pakistan’s principled foreign policy and its support for oppressed nations, particularly Tunisia’s position at the United Nations.
Recalling a large ICCI business delegation’s visit to Tunisia in 2025, she said the delegation participated in the International Coffee Festival and signed agreements with various chambers of commerce. She described the visit as an important milestone in promoting bilateral business relations and expressed hope that economic cooperation would continue to expand during the tenure of her successor.
Maaroufi, who is completing five years of diplomatic service in Islamabad, said Pakistan had become an important part of both her professional and personal life. Although she was leaving Pakistan, she said the country would remain close to her heart and she would continue to play a role in promoting friendship between Pakistan and Tunisia after her return home.
Secretary General of the United Business Group (UBG) Zafar Bakhtawari said Pakistan and Tunisia enjoyed deep-rooted, historic and brotherly relations, but their economic and trade ties needed to be brought at par with their strong political and diplomatic relationship.
He recalled that the foundations of Pakistan-Tunisia friendship were laid even before Tunisia gained independence. During Tunisia’s struggle against French colonial rule, Habib Bourguiba, who later became the country’s first president, visited Karachi in 1951 as part of his campaign to mobilise international support for Tunisian independence.
Bakhtawari said Pakistan’s moral and political support for Tunisia’s struggle for self-determination had created a bond of friendship that predated Tunisia’s independence in 1956 and the establishment of formal diplomatic relations.
He stressed that this historic legacy should now be translated into stronger trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people cooperation. He said direct trade, improved connectivity and business-to-business linkages could unlock significant economic opportunities for both countries.
Paying tribute to Maaroufi’s five years of diplomatic service in Islamabad, Bakhtawari said she had made valuable contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and played an important role in developing warm ties between the Tunisian Embassy and ICCI.
He said her presence had added warmth to Islamabad’s diplomatic community and expressed hope that she would continue serving as a goodwill ambassador for Pakistan-Tunisia friendship after returning to Tunisia.
Acting President ICCI Irfan Chaudhry said Pakistan needed to transform its longstanding friendly relations with African countries into stronger trade, investment and business partnerships.
He said enhanced economic engagement with African countries could create new opportunities for Pakistani businesses and contribute to national economic growth. He also appreciated Maaroufi’s efforts to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between Pakistan and Tunisia.
Director Foreign Affairs, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Asif Luqman Qazi highlighted Tunisia’s contributions to Islamic civilisation, education, culture and intellectual development. He said Tunisia had historically served as an important centre of knowledge and learning and noted its role in the Arab Spring.
The speakers expressed appreciation for Maaroufi’s services and hoped that Pakistan-Tunisia relations would continue to deepen, particularly in trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people contacts.
The reception concluded with tributes to Maaroufi and best wishes for her future assignment, alongside a renewed call for both countries to build on their historic friendship through stronger economic and commercial cooperation.
