(TAP) - "No agreement that does not preserve the interest of Tunisia, farmers and fishermen will be signed," Prime Minister Youssef Chahed said on Sunday, denying the existence of an agreement or final decision on the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA).

In his address, at the 55th anniversary of the Agricultural Evacuation Day and the celebration of the National Day of Agriculture, at the Tunis Convention Centre, Chahed added that the negotiations are currently limited to the general criteria and principles and statistical data on the level of trade.

That agreement must take into account the differences in development between the two sides, he pointed out.

Favorable conditions for win-win cooperation between the two sides, with a fair approach for the Tunisian farmer must be guaranteed.

In addition, Chahed highlighted the efforts of farmers to promote the sector, stressing that agriculture must be at the heart of any strategic plan to promote this sector and strengthen its role in economic and social development and to achieve a comprehensive development in Tunisia.

 For his part, Agriculture Minister Samir Taieb emphasised the importance of the agriculture and fisheries sector, not only economically but also in the development of inland regions, especially rural regions.

He reviewed the most important steps taken to promote the sector, develop it, modernise it and increase its profitability. These include proper management of public land and water resources, consolidation of professional structures, establishment of agricultural insurance and enhancement of social and solidarity economy.

A group of farmers, who attended the celebration of the 55th anniversary of the Agricultural Evacuation Day and the National Day of Agriculture, shouted slogans, including "DCFTA a fatal blow to agriculture "and "import is subsidy for European farmers", while calling for developing a new vision to reduce the cost of production.