The European Union (EU) and Tunisia have officially begun, on 13 October, negotiations on a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement (ALECA).

The launch of the negotiations between the two parties, linked since 1995 by an association agreement, was attended by the European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström, who is visiting Tunis, and the Tunisian minister of Trade, Ridha Lahouel.

70% of Tunisia's trade is done with the EU, who pointed out that a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement will provide easier access for Tunisian products to a market of "500 million consumers".

"The negotiations will take place in stages, which can take years to conclude. Everything that brings us closer in terms of legislations and will not be a problem will be approved. All that does not contribute to the interest of the country, we will reject", the minister of Trade however warned during a press conference.