First Tunisian-Nordic Forum Held in Tunis
Organized by the Swedish Embassy in Tunis and CONECT International
The first Tunisian-Nordic Forum was held today in Tunis, bringing together business leaders, financial institution representatives, policymakers, and investment promotion agencies from both regions. The event was attended by prominent figures, including the ambassadors of the four Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland) and Fatma Thabet Chiboub, the Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy.
A key point emphasized throughout the forum is that, despite being perceived as a "small" country, Tunisia has numerous advantages. As a strategic access point to international and African markets, Tunisia benefits from a geostrategic position in the Mediterranean, just one hour's flight from Europe and less than three hours from major Middle Eastern cities. Tunisia also enjoys an advanced partner status with the European Union and is currently negotiating a Comprehensive and Enhanced Free Trade Agreement (ALECA). Additionally, it has free trade agreements with Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey.
All these elements make Tunisia a capable actor in promoting sustainable development. It can draw inspiration from the Nordic countries, also "small" countries, which have built a growth model that combines environmental respect, social welfare, and economic efficiency. This forum offers a unique opportunity to leverage these experiences and explore innovative partnerships for a more sustainable future for Tunisia.
Aslan Berjeb, President of CONECT, highlighted during his intervention that the event represents an essential platform for promoting sustainable development and shared economic prosperity. He emphasized the importance of this exchange space for identifying strategic opportunities and establishing value-creating partnerships, particularly in the areas of energy transition and circular economy, deemed crucial for an inclusive and resilient future.
Berjeb also reiterated CONECT's commitment to connecting Tunisian businesses to international markets, fostering partnerships, valuing local expertise, and supporting innovation. He highlighted the solidity of the relationships between Tunisia and the Nordic countries, founded on over six decades of collaboration and shared values. Finally, he expressed his conviction that this forum will mark the beginning of even more fruitful exchanges in the future, with the prospect of future editions alternating between the two regions.
The meeting was also an opportunity for Katrine From Hoyer, the Danish Ambassador to Algeria, also accredited to Tunisia, to announce the planned opening of a Danish embassy in Tunisia in summer 2025. This initiative is part of Denmark's strategy to strengthen its relations with the African continent, marked by the upcoming opening of embassies in Senegal and Rwanda. Note that Denmark already has diplomatic representation in all Mediterranean African countries, except Tunisia and Libya. The future embassy in Tunisia will also be responsible for representing Danish interests in Libya.
