Dhia Khaled, Ambassador of Tunisia to China (DENG YAQING)

The world's first import-themed national-level expo opened in Shanghai on November 5. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the expo. A total of 172 countries, regions and international organizations from the five continents showcase their development achievements and international image at the expo. In an exclusive interview with Beijing Review reporters Deng Yaqing, Tunisia's Ambassador to China Dhia Khaled, shared his views on the country's further opening up and Xi's speech. The following is an edited excerpt from the interview: 

Beijing Review: What are your thoughts on the first China International Import Expo (CIIE)?  

Dhia Khaled: I think it's a big and very important event because it gives us an idea about China's policies. In terms of opening up its economy, China has done a lot since it first began the process at the end of the 1970s. The Tunisian delegation to the expo is optimistic about the relations between China and Tunisia, especially in terms of trade and exchanges.

What are your comments on Xi's speech at the opening ceremony of CIIE? 

President Xi gave a very important speech. He gave a direction for China's future in terms of economic and commercial interactions with foreign countries. I think the future is bright, not only for China, but also for its partners. As the Ambassador of Tunisia, I expect the concretization of the measures announced by President Xi. I also look forward to seeing our commercial ties grow further in the future. China is a huge market, and I expect more products to enter the Chinese market.

What are your expectations of China's further opening up in the near future? 

I'm very optimistic, and I expect the relations between China and its partners to become more fruitful in the future. In fact, we have several private investments in China, including a big investment in fertilizer, a joint venture. And I expect more Chinese investment in Tunisia.

Copyedited by Rebeca Toledo 

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