In an unprecedented move to elevate a national treasure to the world stage, Tunisia Monday convened its first “Diplomacy Day for Tunisian Olive Oil.” Held at the International Diplomatic Academy, the event marshaled the full force of the state’s foreign, trade, and agricultural apparatus behind a single goal: positioning Tunisian olive oil as a premier global brand and a key instrument of national influence.
The gathering brought together a significant portion of Tunisia’s diplomatic corps. Ambassadors and representatives from missions and international organizations based in Tunis attended in person, while heads of missions abroad joined via videoconference. They were aligned with domestic economic actors and professional bodies, signaling a unified national strategy personally overseen by President Kaïs Saïed.
Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti set the tone, framing olive oil as far more than an export commodity. “It is a deeply rooted symbol of our national identity and Mediterranean civilization,” he stated. He charged diplomatic missions with acting as frontline promoters, helping to secure traditional markets and penetrate new ones, thereby enhancing Tunisia’s image for “quality and sustainability.” He also paid tribute to rural women as essential guardians of production and praised the diaspora as vital partners in global promotion.
The strategic economic imperative was laid out by Trade Minister Samir Abid. He revealed Tunisia’s commanding position as the world’s fourth-largest olive oil exporter, holding over 10% of the global market. With exports reaching more than 60 countries and an average growth rate of 16% over five years, the sector is a powerhouse. “This event reflects a clear determination to make diplomacy a genuine partner in enhancing the value of this strategic product,” Abid affirmed, detailing strategies focused on market access, exporter support, and quality certification.
Echoing the theme of economic diplomacy, Agriculture Minister Ezzedine Ben Cheikh outlined a forward-looking vision centered on international quality standards, boosting packaged exports, and forging global partnerships. He spotlighted Tunisia’s leadership in organic production and its rack of international awards, calling directly on ambassadors to become “ambassadors of Tunisian excellence.” He urged them to promote olive oil as “a message of development and peace to the world.”
The day was more than speeches. It functioned as a full sensory showcase, featuring technical presentations on Tunisia’s olive varieties, exhibitions by award-winning exporters, and tasting sessions designed to demonstrate the product’s diversity and superior quality. Accompanying artisanal displays highlighted the cultural heritage surrounding the sector.
As the event closed, a consensus emerged among participants: the inaugural Diplomacy Day should become an annual fixture. The ambition is to cement this synergy, transforming Tunisian olive oil into a potent global symbol—one that carries messages of peace, sustainable development, and partnership from Tunisia to the world.
TunisianMonitorOnline (BRC)
