A Legacy that Transcends Time
There are figures whose influence extends beyond their time. Béchir Salem Belkhiria belongs to this rare category of builders who, through their vision, audacity, and immense humanity, have left a lasting impact on Tunisia's economic and social history. His passing was felt as a national shock. Politicians, unionists, entrepreneurs, intellectuals, and young people flocked to pay their respects. For Béchir Belkhiria was not just a business leader; he was an idea, a model, a spirit.
A Man of Values Above All
For those who knew him closely, such as Moez and Nacef Belkhiria, speaking of Béchir Belkhiria is first and foremost about evoking a deeply human being. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his passing, held on Friday, November 28, they described an exceptional character: a modest, patriotic man, entirely devoted to his country, family, and collective progress. Money was never his driving force. His objectives lay elsewhere: ideas, construction, development, and impact. He believed in the "usefulness" of each individual and always sought to put his energy at the service of projects that could advance Tunisia. Those who knew him highlight a constant trait: he always thought about "what can be useful" rather than "what can bring in money."
An Exceptional Journey Around the World
Few people know how singular Béchir Belkhiria's academic journey was. He was among the first Maghrebians admitted to the École Supérieure des Sciences Économiques et Commerciales (ESSEC), where he earned his degree in 1958. His excellence even earned him an official welcome from the President of the French Republic. He then pursued his path in New York, where he obtained an MBA in 1960 and worked on the American stock exchange. However, while most graduates turned towards comfortable careers in the private sector, he chose the most difficult path: returning to Tunisia to build.
The Entrepreneur with Vision
Back in his country, he founded his first companies in heating and hot water, then turned to advertising at a time when the sector was still non-existent. In the 1960s and 1970s, he diversified his activities:
- Industry
- Logistics
- Agriculture
- Technology
- Communication
- Press
He introduced innovations to Tunisia that did not exist anywhere in the region:
- The first solar panels
- Modern packaging and logistics methods
- Models of integration between agriculture, transformation, and distribution
- Structuring industrial partnerships
In 1980, he even launched the "Dar Chams" project, a precursor to Tunisia's solar industry, long before the world realized its importance.
The Visionary Fascinated by Asia
His first visit to Japan in 1970 was a turning point. He discovered an economy based on quality, rigor, patience, and collective effort. These values became his creed. He established major industrial links, notably with Toyota. The first Toyota car imported to Tunisia was thanks to him, before an official agreement was signed after his passing. For him, Tunisia could follow the path of South Korea or Singapore. He often repeated that our country had everything to become an economic model in the Mediterranean, if the culture of work, innovation, and organization became central.
The Man of Culture, Sport, and Press
Contrary to the classic image of the cold and distant businessman, Béchir Belkhiria was a passionate advocate for art, culture, and sport. He contributed to modernizing Tunisian cinema, invested in theater, and supported young filmmakers. He also played a determining role in the development of Tunisian judo, helping the country achieve international successes, notably the victory over Spain in 1985. He was convinced that culture and sport build human beings just as much as the economy. In the press, he supported Dar Assabah, which he wanted to be independent, social, and useful for understanding Tunisian society.
An Educator at Heart
For him, knowledge was the true wealth of nations. He dreamed of a free university in Tunisia, founded on excellence, international openness, and rigor. He encouraged young people to innovate, to undertake, to dare. He even launched a national competition for Tunisian inventors, convinced that the country's future would pass through its creative youth.
A Final Message...
Before his passing, Béchir Salem Belkhiria left a simple message to his loved ones: protect the company, protect the spirit, protect the vision. His legacy is not only economic; it is moral, cultural, intellectual, and deeply human. His life tells the story of a man who believed that Tunisia could be great, modern, open, and prosperous — if each person did their part with honesty and passion. Today, young people, entrepreneurs, thinkers, and leaders still claim to follow his spirit. Because Béchir Belkhiria's ideas are not just memories; they are directions. They show the way for a country that believes in its ability to transform itself.
