-By Roderick Drummond, His Majesty the British Ambassador to Tunisia–
After a period marked by global challenges, the country is demonstrating its resilience and its ability to bounce back with ambition. Concrete progress reflects our commitment to strengthening our economic appeal, by focusing on innovation, strategic partnerships and a business-friendly environment.
This government pledged to make the UK the most attractive country for business — and it is delivering on that promise.
This month, our economy received three huge votes of confidence.
First, the UK struck a landmark Free Trade Agreement with India – the fastest growing economy in the G20. The agreement is the most generous in India’s history and it will make trade between our countries cheaper, easier and quicker.
Second, the UK became the first country to secure an economic deal with the Trump administration. This will reduce tariffs across a range of sectors, from steel and aluminium to automotives, and cuts costs for businesses operating here in the UK.
Third, the UK secured new agreement with the European Union to support business, employment, and put more money in people’s pockets. The package will help make food cheaper, slash red tape, open up access to the EU market and add nearly £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040.
Some said these deals would never be done. But the truth is the US, the EU and India saw in the UK a country with strong economic foundations. A trusted partner ready to negotiate constructively. An innovative economy embracing new trends like AI.
Britain has always been an open, outward-looking trading nation. We believe that markets and free trade are fundamental to building prosperity at home and abroad.
We have one of the largest economies in the world, with cutting-edge businesses, brilliant universities, and a talented workforce. That’s why global CEOs recently ranked the UK as the second most attractive country to invest in. It’s why our growth rate is one of the highest in the G7. And it’s why impressive Tunisian companies like Instadeep have chosen to make the UK their home, but with the offer of certainty, stability, and simplicity, we will give more firms the confidence to expand and invest in the UK.
In Tunisia, we are committed to pursuing the implementation of the UK-Tunisia Association Agreement with the ongoing Agricultural Review. Once concluded, this will enable an increased presence of Tunisian products (including olive oil) in the UK and further British products in Tunisia – encouraging mutual trade benefits and strengthened economic ties. The tech sector also presents substantial opportunities for Tunisian businesses, particularly in fintech. Events like Fintech Week (April 2025) and London Tech Week (June 2025) provide platforms for Tunisian tech companies to showcase their brilliant innovations, network with industry leaders and explore partnerships.
Globally, this government is building on our strengths. Earlier this year the UK announced £13 billion of capital investment over the next five years to deliver the projects needed to catalyse private investment, boost growth and drive forward the UK’s modern industrial strategy. This follows £100 billion of capital investment announced last autumn. We are ripping up unnecessary regulation to cut the administrative costs on business by a quarter over the next five years.
Ultimately, the US, the EU and India recognised the huge potential of a closer trading relations with the UK under this government. These deals are just the beginning. Our diplomats and trade negotiators have sent a signal – we are ready to do business.