Brazilian business leaders land in Tunis with investment and trade on the table

A Brazilian business delegation led by William Adib Dib Jr. visited Tunisia from 6 to 9 June as the two countries looked to expand trade and investment ties, with olive oil and dates high on the agenda.

Dib Jr., president of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, met Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti in Tunis on Monday, alongside Brazilian business representatives.

The talks reviewed commercial exchanges between Tunisia and Brazil and discussed ways to increase trade, encourage investment and support partnerships between companies from both countries.

Nafti highlighted Brazil as a market for Tunisian exports, particularly olive oil and dates.

The talks followed Brazil’s decision to remove import duties on extra virgin olive oil, a measure that entered into force on 14 March 2025.

Dib Jr. also met Samir Abid, Tunisia’s Minister of Commerce and Export Development, during the visit.

The Commerce Ministry said the meeting focused on strengthening Tunisia’s access to the Brazilian market, which it described as a gateway to South America.

Abid also pointed to Tunisia’s participation in the 40th APAS Show in São Paulo from 18 to 21 May.

Sixteen Tunisian companies took part in the supermarket and retail trade fair, mainly exporters of olive oil and dates. Tunisian officials described it as a record participation for an Arab and African country at the event.

Tunisia and Brazil also agreed to set up a joint working group to develop the Tunisian Brazilian Business Council, exchange information on promising sectors and prepare joint economic missions and business meetings.

The talks also covered plans for a Tunisia Week in Brazil.

Tourism and handicrafts were discussed in a separate meeting between Dib Jr. and Tourism Minister Sofiene Tekaya.

The Tourism Ministry said the meeting covered ways to increase tourist flows in both directions, promote Tunisia’s tourism offer, strengthen training and exchange expertise in tourism and handicrafts.

The participation of Tunisia’s National Tourist Office in a global tourism and travel fair in Brazil was also raised.

Moez Idris, president of the Tunisian Brazilian Business Council, also highlighted Tunisia’s planned participation in the Brazil Arab Countries Economic Forum in São Paulo in August.

The Brazilian delegation’s visit to Tunisia is part of a wider Arab Brazilian Chamber mission to Morocco and Tunisia this month.