The establishment of an agricultural commodities exchange is likely to bring economic and social benefits to Tunisia, according to the results of a study presented at a symposium organised by the Tunis Stock Exchange on Thursday in Tunis, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Tunisia JOBS programme.
The creation of an exchange or a commodities trading compartment, which will initially target the olive oil and date sectors, will make it possible, according to this study, to limit post-harvest losses and ensure greater stability of producers’ incomes. The choice of the two products is explained by the fact that these products with high potential are sufficiently in demand and present on the markets.
During this symposium, which was attended by the Minister of Finance, Sihem Nemsia, and the Minister of Economy, Samir Saied, the speakers emphasised that several objectives could be achieved, particularly for those involved in the value chain of the two products, the ecosystem in general and the Tunis Stock Exchange, through this trading compartment.
They mentioned the improvement of the negotiation position of small producers, the reinforcement of the efficient circulation of capital in the sector and the facilitation of the development of agricultural financing and the reduction of transaction costs and rapid guaranteed payments.
The agricultural commodity exchange is also likely to provide access to financial services and risk management tools, especially for producers and exporters, and to strengthen the traceability of agricultural production.
