L. Fituni, I. Abramova Resource Potential of Africa and Russia's ...

2009 consisted of such traditional Russian raw materials as ammonia,
lumber, cellulose, sulfur, asbestos, petroleum products, synthetic
rubber, rolled steel and paper.
Russia's largest imports consisted of perfumes and cosmetics,
seafood, plumbing fixtures, tiles and synthetic paints. The import of
these products amounted to 90% of overall Russia's imports from
Tunisia. The demand for Russian goods is determined by the demands
of Tunisian industry for the corresponding raw materials. For
example, ammonia and sulfur are needed for manufacturing phosphoric
acid and phosphate fertilizers from phosphorite, of which
Tunisia is one of the five leading world producers; the shortage of
forests makes it necessary to import lumber, cellulose and paper;
and while it has supplies of heavy oil, Tunisia is forced to buy
lighter petroleum products, etc. 33
According to the Russian-Tunisian Business council, besides
possibilities of importing Tunisian export commodities: superphosphoric
acid, phosphate fertilizers, olives, citrus fruit, tomato paste,
textiles and footwear, the most promising part of cooperation lies
with possibilities for Russia companies to enter the Tunisian market.
In this connection the following sectors and industries are the most
promising for Russian businesses:
– Russian traditional exports (timber, metal, chemical products).
– Reducing the number of agents and establishing direct ties and
inter-regional contacts. There is interest in Russian lathes, pumps,
transformers, electric motors, cables, and other equipment.
– Continuing cooperation in irrigation construction. Attempts to
introduce Russian drilling machines (for water), hothouses, industrial
refrigerators, separators, pasteurizers onto the market.
– There is a possibility of delivering equipment, materials and
spare parts for Tunisian pharmaceutical enterprises.
– Non-traditional sources of energy (wind power, solar batteries),
energy-saving techniques, distillation of sea water, nuclear
power.
– Plans to construct a network of oil and gas pipelines in Tunisia
provide the prospect of Russian involvement in this work.
– Deliveries of special technologies (coast guard launches, tug-
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