Marmara University academic Balıc noted that Tunisia, due to its location in the Mediterranean and its position on the African continent, presents significant opportunities for Turkish companies, and stated that Turkish investments in the country could be increased and that Tunisia could be considered a hub for activities targeting African markets.
Speaking to an AA correspondent in Tunisia, Balıc linked the growing interest of global powers in Africa to increasing demand for resources around the world, particularly energy and minerals, and the continent's wealth.
Pointing out that Europe needs energy and various minerals, Balıc said Africa is increasingly coming to the fore in meeting these needs. Stressing that Africa has long been a continent whose resources were exploited by Western powers, Balıc noted that the continent has not been able to sufficiently benefit from its own natural riches, which is among the causes of poverty in Africa.
Turkey’s approach is different
Saying that Turkey's approach to Africa differs from other actors, Balıc emphasized that Turkish companies should aim not only to generate economic gains in the countries where they invest but also to contribute to the local economy.
Balıc stated that Turkey's traditional approach involves valuing people and local development in the regions where it invests, and that the economic value generated must also benefit the host country. “When Turkish companies come here, they will naturally act for their own benefit and pursue profit. But in doing so, they will work by giving the people living in the region the value they deserve and allowing them to have a share of the pie,” he said.
Noting that through coordination between the Foreign Ministry and Trade Ministry, Turkey's embassies in African countries advise Turkish companies on opportunities on the continent, Balıc expressed the view that diplomatic missions' close monitoring of the region is important for Turkish companies' activities in Africa.
Investments in Tunisia can be revitalized
Stating that Tunisia holds investment potential for Turkish companies, Balıc recalled that Turkish firms' activities in the country date back to the 1980s. He noted that Turkish company STFA, which came to Tunisia in 1984, was one of the pioneering Turkish firms operating in infrastructure and construction, and that other Turkish companies subsequently arrived in the country.
Noting that Turkish companies operate in various fields in Tunisia, from airport management to energy, Balıc said the existing economic relations could be taken to a higher level. “Looking at the current situation of companies in Tunisia, they can be further revitalized. More companies can be brought here,” he said, adding that Turkey has very significant investments in neighboring Algeria and that similar investments can be made in Tunisia.
Investment opportunities in tourism and agriculture
Noting that tourism is one of the sectors where Turkish companies can stand out in Tunisia, Balıc pointed to Turkey's experience in this field. “Turkey is very strong in tourism. Major tourism companies can make good investments here. I think this can benefit both Tunisia and Turkey,” he said.
Stating that agriculture is also an area that can be evaluated for Turkish companies, Balıc cited Turkish agricultural investments in Algeria as an example and said that similar investments can be made in Tunisia. Drawing attention to the different geographical features of Tunisia's coastal areas and the country's south and southwest, Balıc said these regions can be assessed for agricultural investments.
A regional hub opening to Africa
Noting that Tunisia's geographical location can be used by Turkish companies to reach African markets, Balıc said that production and distribution structures to be established in the country could operate for a wider geography. Stating that the defense industry can also be considered within this scope, Balıc emphasized Turkey's strong production capacity in the defense industry. Balıc said that Turkish defense industry companies establishing a base in Tunisia could more easily access the African market, and that the country could serve as a distribution hub to Africa for defense industry companies.
Respect for local culture and human resources
Drawing attention to the fact that human resources are as decisive as investment volume and company strength in the success of Turkish companies in Africa, Balıc stressed that managers sent to the continent must be closely familiar with the region. “We need to send qualified people who know Africa, are familiar with its culture, and can speak its languages,” he said.
Highlighting the very impressive and positive relations that the ambassadors of the Republic of Turkey in Tunisia and Algeria have built with local communities, Balıc said this approach in the public sector is also a guide for private sector executives. “Having such competent executives especially in companies is important for their expansion across Africa. People are as important as companies. They must know the culture and the language,” he said.
Stressing that the approach of companies investing in Africa toward local communities is also decisive for economic success, Balıc said investors must avoid a condescending attitude toward the countries they go to. Noting that the win-win principle should be at the center of Turkish companies' activities in Africa, Balıc stated that choosing employees from the local population as much as possible would support the participation of local people in economic activity and enable them to benefit directly from investments.
Balıc concluded his remarks by saying, “You must respect the country you go to. You must not come with a condescending attitude. We must base ourselves on ‘win-win.’ While we win, you will also win. By choosing employees from the local population, you will give them jobs and include them in the economy. You will ensure that the local people also reap gains.”
