(MENAFN) On Tuesday, Tunisian President Kais Saied held a meeting with George Elombi, the newly appointed president and chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), to discuss potential avenues for enhanced economic cooperation, as reported by the Tunisian presidency on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Saied praised the strategic partnership between Tunisia and Afreximbank, emphasizing the crucial role the bank plays in offering concessional financing to support the country's budget and critical development projects.

He also highlighted the bank's significant contribution to boosting intra-African trade, referring to it as "an essential partner" in tackling the economic and financial challenges faced by both the public and private sectors.

Furthermore, Saied expressed his enthusiasm for Afreximbank's plan to establish a regional office in Tunisia, believing that the move would revitalize the financial sector and open up more funding opportunities for Tunisian businesses.

The meeting was also attended by Fathi Zouhair Nouri, the Governor of the Central Bank of Tunisia.

After the discussions, Elombi spoke to the press, revealing that he had engaged in "a rather lengthy discussion" with Saied, primarily focused on economic matters.

He mentioned key projects, such as the expansion of Tunis-Carthage International Airport and the planned development of a deep-water port, where Afreximbank could provide increased support.

Elombi also shared that the bank is preparing substantial financing packages for projects involving the Gafsa Phosphates Company and the Tunisian Chemical Group.

Additionally, Afreximbank plans to back initiatives by the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company and the Tunisian Company of Refining Industries.

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