The basis for trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Tunisia is formed by the intergovernmental agreements signed on 11 November 1993 on trade and economic, scientific and technical cooperation, according to which the Russian and Tunisian sides grant each other most favoured nation treatment; these include an agreement on cooperation in hydraulic engineering, which confirms the consent of the Russian government to continue rendering economic and technical assistance to investment projects (dams, water conduits), and an agreement on forming a Russian-Tunisian intergovernmental Commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation.

Cooperation exists between Russia and Tunisia on the basis of education and public health agreements between state organisations of both countries.

Trade turnover between Russia and Tunisia in 2008 increased by 14.9%. It is formed primarily by Russian exports. Imports are extremely small. The bulk of Russian exports to Tunisia in 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 fertilisers 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.

Prospects and opportunities. The volume of bilateral trade is insufficient. There is still a ban on making advance payments, as well as on payment for goods after their receipt in Tunisia, which has an adverse effect on Russian exports. This is manifested either in the need to obtain loans for paying transportation costs by Russian exporters or recruiting foreign agents.

There is the possibility of buying Tunisian goods: superphosphoric acid, phosphate fertilisers, olives, citrus fruit, tomato paste, textiles and footwear. However, it should be borne in mind that there are no subsidies for the export of local agricultural production.

The most promising directions for cooperation are the following:

• Increasing Russian traditional exports (lumber, metal, chemical products), with 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, pasteurisers onto the market.
• There is the 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 technology (coast guard launches, tugboats, spare parts for sea ships), KAMAZ, ZIL, GAZ trucks, as well as participation in modernisation of the country's ports.
• Geological survey for solid minerals and water (including with the use of aerial and space photography).
• Russian commercial ventures can participate in the implementation of fast-recoupment projects in Tunisia by granting their own credits. Russian companies can (if the necessary guarantees are obtained) participate in the construction of Tunisian tourist and health resort facilities.
• Sending specialists to Tunisia (electrical engineering, increase in maritime biological resources).
• Products manufactured in Tunisia meeting world standards (paints, ceramic tiles, footwear, textiles, perfume, etc.).