TUNIS, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be a good opportunity to show the real potential of the Chinese market to Tunisian exporters, said Dhouha Mizouni Chtourou, vice president of Tunisian-Chinese Business Council in an exclusive interview with Xinhua recently.

"Tunisia will be officially represented by three companies in two fields, including olive oil and handicrafts," said Mizouni. 15 other Tunisian companies, covering various fields such as plastics, packaging, electronics, international consulting and crafts, will also present at CIIE as visitors.

In terms of entering the Chinese market, Mizouni believes "agribusiness remains a powerful 'workhorse' for Tunisia due to its strategic geographical location as a stepping stone in the Africa-South Mediterranean region."

Mizouni said the most common Tunisian products in the Chinese market are olive oil, phosphates and marble.

"By participating in the CIIE, Tunisian exporters are encouraged to enter the Chinese market, which imports all types of products with guaranteed quality and competitive prices," added Mizouni.

"Chinese consumers have great concern about healthy products, so we will be careful to promote Tunisian agro-products, either in raw as vegetables and fruits, or processed such as canned goods and olive oil," Mizouni said.

"Tunisia could also attract Chinese investment for several reasons, including its geographical location between the two continents Africa and Europe," Mizouni added.

The trade volume between China and Tunisia reached 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, with Chinese imports from Tunisia surging 42 percent.

Mizouni pointed out that CIIE is part of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. "This exhibition will also consolidate China's relations with its partners and member countries of this initiative, who will have the opportunity to export their products to the Chinese market."

CIIE, the first of its kind to be held by China in Shanghai, will be held on November 5-10. So far more than 2,800 companies from over 130 countries and regions have confirmed their participation.