2024-03-11 09:30:15
The AGM of the Tunisian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which was held recently in Tunis, was an opportunity to shine the spotlight, once once more, on historical relations and economic partnership. privileged between France and Tunisia. A partnership that meets the aspirations of both countries and whose main axes align perfectly with Tunisia’s economic priorities.
The Tunisian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCITF) has just held its ordinary general assembly during which its members unanimously approved the moral and financial reports for the 2023 financial year. This assembly was also the opportunity to look in the rearview mirror and look back on the highlights that punctuated the past year. The session was closed by the Minister of Industry, Fatma Thabet Chiboub, who sent a reassuring message to the business leaders present. She recalled, on this occasion, “the importance that Tunisia attaches to its relations with France, its leading commercial partner and major foreign investor. Tunisia, she insisted, is determined to continue the development and deepening of economic and commercial relations between the two countries, as part of the follow-up to the high-level visit carried out by the head of government to Paris”.
Towards realization of the strategic vision of industry and innovation by 2035
The minister added that Tunisia and France, who have chosen to pool their efforts for several decades by setting up common institutions, have favored the path of communication and dialogue to develop their respective industries and to establish a climate of investment that promotes all constructive initiatives.
Referring to the national strategic vision for industry and innovation by 2035 developed by the Department of Industry, the minister affirmed that specific action plans have been initiated to realize this vision. Among the main actions undertaken, she cited: the finalization of the overall operational program and the annual operational program including scheduled activities and evaluation and monitoring indicators; the establishment of four specialized master’s degrees in the field of intellectual property and industry 4.0 and the launch of the national program to reduce carbon emissions. She specified, in this context, that an economic, technical and financial feasibility study is currently underway for the development of a national database of elements for calculating the percentage of carbon emissions. “The ministry listens to all stakeholders so that the various initiatives are supported by all and serve all. Together, we will be able to meet the challenges and realize the vision we have of an innovative, prosperous and ecological Tunisia,” she asserted.
The fallout from the meeting between Hachani and Attal
Anne Guéguen, Ambassador of France, was also present at the opening of the session. She gave a speech during which she focused on relationships
historical ties that link the two countries while revisiting their economic and commercial partnership established for decades. “France has long been Tunisia’s leading economic partner.
Our economic relations are historic, deep and result from the complementarity of our economies. They also result from the interweaving of our companies and our value chains, an interweaving which has been further strengthened in recent years,” she indicated.
Referring to the meeting which took place on February 29 in Paris between the head of the Tunisian government Ahmed Hachani and his French counterpart Gabriel Attal, the ambassador recalled that this meeting focused, among other things, on the organization of a high cooperation council project which should be held in the coming months.
“This cooperation council will be an opportunity to jointly define and update the roadmaps for bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic field,” she added.
She indicated, in this context, that France will continue to support Tunisia alongside other bilateral and multilateral partners in its process of development and economic transition, at a time when it is facing significant structural and cyclical challenges. “This requires support for the Tunisian government’s economic reforms, but also support for the economic fabric, for Tunisian businesses which are the engine of its growth. Whether it is the question of the human capital essential to support the upscaling of Tunisian production or the access of companies to the financing they need to invest and develop,” she continued.
Indeed, the priority sectors for French economic diplomacy are, according to him, numerous: digital, the economy of innovation, ecological transition, the circular economy, waste management, water supply facing to the issues of water stress, food security and sustainable tourism. “The development of these bilateral sectoral priorities will be part of a logic of economic co-development by putting the offer and know-how of French companies at the service of the needs of the Tunisian economy and employment, particularly employment. of its youth,” she clarified, while emphasizing that these projects can be carried out through the conclusion of PPPs which can constitute a response to the insufficiency of public financial resources.
The engaged room to continue its efforts to defend its members
For his part, Mohamed Louzir, secretary general of the Ccitf, affirmed, in a statement granted to The Pressthat the chamber, which this year celebrates its 50e anniversary, will continue to work continuously to provide support to member companies and accompany them in their development in Tunisia, but also internationally.
The action plan for 2024 will include training actions on CSR and carbon emissions topics which have now become a proven priority. He stressed that the Chamber will not skimp on efforts to help businesses resolve various difficulties, especially since the latter are requesting more support from this structure. “We performed well in 2023 and we believe that we have the means to respond even better to our members,” he explained.
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