Signatories

The Government of the State of Qatar, represented in the Ministry of Energy and Industry, and the Government of the Republic of Tunisia, represented in the Ministry of Vocational Training and Employment (hereinafter referred to as “the parties”):

Preamble

Whereas the parties are desirous to establish cooperation relationships in the areas of vocational training based on the mutual interests and brotherhood between them for the purpose of enhancing the system of vocational training, modernizing and habilitating vocational training centres and broadening cooperation aspects between similar centres in the two countries where they are willing to conclude an agreement thereon in order to develop the methodology of realizing the objectives of this memorandum.

The parties have agreed the following:

Article 1

The previous preamble shall be considered as an integral and complementary part to the agreement stated in the provisions of this memorandum

Article 2

According to this memorandum, the parties seek to enhance the cooperation relationships in the areas of vocational training and capacity building while considering the needs of sectors having priority in the two countries, particularly in the areas of energy and industry and the management thereof.

Article 3

The parties shall work on developing cooperation in areas of vocational training through the following:

1.     The fulcrum structure related to vocational training.

2.     Preparing programs and arranging basic training according to demand and the legislation stipulated in both countries.

3.     Exchanging information of a vocational and administrative nature, particularly:

a.     Information related to tender invitations.

b.     Information related to investment opportunities and data on research and studies associated with vocational training.

c.      Information related to policies and bylaws on vocational training.

4.     Information related to technologies used in vocational training.

5.     Establishing partnerships to execute mutual projects in areas of vocational training according to prior feasibility studies.

6.     Encouraging the private sector in both countries to establish partnerships and develop the mechanisms for promoting vocational training.

7.     Exchanging experiences and skills for the best management and rehabilitation of vocational training centres.

8.     Participating in vocational exhibitions, workshops, symposia and conferences for the purpose of exchanging technology and skills between the two countries.

9.     Exchanging information and experts with regard to the rearrangement of vocational training centres and the compatibility of relevant legislation.

10.                         Benefiting from experiences and capabilities available in both countries in various aspects of vocational training for the purpose of executing projects for the benefit of other countries within the framework of tripartite cooperation.

Article 4

All activities referred to in this memorandum shall be subject to the available resources and capabilities in the two countries according to the internal policies, laws and procedures of each party.

Article 5

Each party shall undertake to enable the other to access information related to legislation relevant to vocational training issued and applicable in the two countries and to exchange it between them.

Article 6

The parties shall endeavour to protect intellectual property rights in areas related to vocational training and to respect the commitments arising from other intellectual property agreements concluded between them.

Article 7

The parties shall endeavour to convene periodical conferences, symposia and meetings to exchange opinions on various vocational training areas and also to organize visits for the purpose of identifying the appropriate means and approaches to activate and improve the quality and efficiency of vocational training and the associated vocational training centres according to adopted international standards.

Article 8

Where any conflict arises between the context of this memorandum and the rights and obligations derived from multilateral and bilateral agreements and treaties to which one of the two countries is a party, such conflict shall be settled by amicable consultation and negotiations between the two parties which better realize the objectives of vocational training.

Article 9

The provisions of this memorandum shall not be reviewed or modified unless by prior written approval of the parties.

Article 10

1.     The parties shall agree on the establishment of a joint committee to implement the provisions of this memorandum. The committee shall consist of the representatives of the two countries and may be supported by specialized experts where necessary. The committee shall meet at least once a year according to prior agreement between the parties.

2.     The parties shall agree on the method of work to develop the executive program for 2012 and to approve such program within three months from signing this memorandum. The functions of this committee shall be as follows:

a.     Developing an annual executive program to elaborate and achieve areas of cooperation.

b.     Identifying the approaches and means of funding and achieving the activities embodied within the executive program.

c.      Following and evaluating the agreed program.

3.     The two parties may assign to the committee any other functions that implement the objective for which it has been established.

Article 11

Each party shall obtain prior written consent from the other if they desire to publish any announcements or media information by any means, including the disclosure of any information related to this memorandum.

Article 12

1.     This memorandum shall come into force as of the date of exchanging notifications between the two parties and shall be valid for three years, renewable automatically for a similar period unless either of the parties notifies the other in writing of its intention to terminate the memorandum six months prior to such date.

2.     The termination or the expiration of this memorandum shall not affect the projects and programs still in progress until their completion unless the parties otherwise agree.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned being duly authorized by their respective governments have signed this agreement.

This memorandum is issued and signed in the city of Tunisia on 13/01/ 2012 in two equally authentic Arabic copies.