Tunisia: Chinese Company "Asia Potash" Announces Intent to Invest in Large-Scale Phosphate Mining Project in Kef, Tunisia with $800 Million Investment
Executives from Asia Potash International Investment, during an official visit to Tunisia, expressed their strong interest in investing in the mining sector, with a focus on exploiting phosphate deposits in the governorate of Kef and establishing a comprehensive industrial mining complex.
During a meeting held last Thursday with Jalel Tabbib, Director General of the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA), the Chinese representatives revealed plans to initially extract one million tons of phosphate, with a goal to reach 8 million tons in the medium term, and an overall investment estimated at $800 million USD, according to a statement released Friday by FIPA.
Asia Potash is a global leader in potassium mining and agricultural development, also involved in international bulk shipping of materials such as coal and iron ore, in addition to providing logistical services.
The visiting Chinese delegation was led by Yu Baoli, Vice President of the Industrial Development Department, and Houming Faimen, Director of Mining Development Investment, who expressed the company's desire to establish a long-term partnership with Tunisia in the field of mining industries.
For his part, Jalel Tabbib, Director General of FIPA, welcomed this investment initiative, stating that the choice of Tunisia by such a major industrial group reflects growing international investor confidence in the country's business environment. He also reaffirmed Tunisia's commitment to supporting foreign investors, especially in high value-added sectors like mining.
During the meeting, Tabbib also presented a detailed overview of the foreign direct investment landscape in Tunisia, highlighting the presence of Chinese companies and the various advantages Tunisia offers, including tax incentives, flexible legislation, and a strategic location between Africa and Europe.
If realized, this project would become one of the largest upcoming Chinese investments in Tunisia, expected to revitalize the local economy of Kef, generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, and boost national phosphate production, which has declined in recent years.
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