Tunis: Tunisia is participating in the first edition of the World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting on Global Cooperation, Growth and Energy for Development, held in the Saudi capital Riyadh on April 28 and 29.
Tunisia is represented by the Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, Fatma Thabet Chiboub, who participated in a panel discussion on the sidelines of the Forum entitled “Energy Demand: Turning costs into profits’.
In her remarks, the minister said the Tunisian government is keen to increase investment in renewable energy to address the energy deficit, according to a statement from the Ministry of Industry on Monday evening.
She pointed out that Tunisia has adopted programmes to use solar energy in public institutions and buildings and to equip them with solar stations to produce electricity in a self-sufficient way, in addition to encouraging citizens to use solar energy in residential buildings and the service sector to reduce their electricity bill.
In this regard, she noted that Tunisia has adop
ted a policy of rationalising energy consumption, which has become one of its priorities. ‘The government is working to implement the National Energy Strategy by 2035, which aims to ensure a secure supply of energy for all and to develop practical measures to achieve the goals set, particularly in terms of renewable energy production, carbon neutrality and a just and comprehensive social transition,’ she said.
The World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting on Inclusive Cooperation, Growth and Energy for Development aims to discuss new approaches to economic and energy policy and the impact of geopolitical developments on decision-making, particularly in the business community.
It also addresses issues related to inclusive economic growth, energy transition and strengthening international cooperation, according to the same source.
Tunisia’s energy trade deficit increased by 5% by the end of February 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching 1878 million dinars compared to 1788 million dinars, while the
import-export coverage ratio did not exceed 22% by the end of February 2024, according to the monthly report of the National Observatory of Energy and Mines.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse