Tunisia's Fourth Review of Trade Policy and Practices
The fourth review of Tunisia's trade policy and practices will take place on November 25 and 27, 2025, based on a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the Tunisian government.
A Reminder of the WTO's Mission
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only international organization with a global mandate to oversee the rules governing trade between countries. At the heart of the Organization are the WTO Agreements, negotiated and signed by most of the world's major trading powers and ratified by their parliaments. The goal is to promote the smooth functioning, predictability, and freedom of trade as much as possible.
Tunisia, a founding member of the WTO, has previously presented its trade policies during reviews in 1995, 2005, and 2016. The current review represents the fourth of its kind for the country.
Tunisia's Preparatory Work
The National Commission responsible for relations with the WTO is the body responsible for preparing the "Review Report". The commission is officially responsible for preparing a report highlighting the country's reforms and strategic orientations, including:
- Simplification of administrative procedures
- Progress in digitalization for greater transparency
- Strengthening of intellectual property rights and measures to improve the business climate
Given the importance of this meeting and the need to respect the scheduled deadline, the Minister of Trade and Export Development, Samir Abid, recently chaired steering meetings with members of the National Commission, accompanied by representatives from various ministries, public structures, the private sector, and civil society to monitor the progress of this report.
Objectives of the Review by the WTO
The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) aims to contribute to a greater respect by all Members of the rules, disciplines, and commitments defined in the multilateral trade agreements and, where applicable, in the plurilateral trade agreements, and thus to facilitate the functioning of the multilateral trading system, by allowing for increased transparency and a better understanding of the trade policies and practices of Members. Consequently, the review mechanism allows for the collective assessment and evaluation, on a regular basis, of the entire range of trade policies and practices of the various Members and their impact on the functioning of the multilateral trading system. However, it is not intended to serve as a basis for ensuring compliance with specific obligations arising from agreements or for dispute settlement procedures, nor to impose new policy commitments on Members.
Evaluation and Context
The evaluation carried out under the review mechanism is, to the extent relevant, in the context of the needs, policies, and general objectives of the Member concerned in the area of economy and development, as well as in the context of its external environment. However, this review mechanism has the function of examining the impact of a Member's trade policies and practices on the multilateral trading system.
Tunisia's Economic Potential
"In brief, Tunisia has real growth potential, driven in particular by its rent-based agriculture, mineral resources, relatively diversified manufacturing industry, and tourist attractions. The transition to a digital economy and increased use of renewable energy could also be important levers for accelerating this dynamic. However, in a context of particularly low economic growth and still uncertain prospects, the realization of these opportunities requires progress on several fronts, including the improvement and simplification of the economic framework, the relaunch of investment, a simpler and more predictable tariff policy, more sustained development of renewable energy, the reduction of regional disparities, and better control of the informal sector. These developments could play a key role in strengthening the country's competitiveness and economic attractiveness in the long term."
Tunisia's Economic Performance
Despite a difficult international context and pressures related to climate change, the Tunisian economy, as an open and diversified economy, has shown resilience and remarkable adaptability. This performance opens up prospects for takeoff and sustainable economic growth, taking into account both the economic and social dimensions, while consolidating the country's position in global and regional value chains.
Engagement in the Multilateral Trading System
Tunisia's constant engagement in the multilateral trading system has always been a positive factor, allowing economic actors to minimize the negative impacts of the economic situation and seize opportunities for open, non-discriminatory, and transparent trade.
Reforms and Achievements
The reforms undertaken, particularly in improving the business climate, integrating into global and regional value chains, facilitating trade, digitalizing procedures, modernizing the regulatory framework, as well as capacity-building programs supported by the WTO Secretariat, have strengthened the efficiency, competitiveness, and transparency of trade in Tunisia.
Conclusion
These achievements and commitments place Tunisia on a favorable trajectory to pursue its inclusive and sustainable economic development, promote trade openness, strengthen its trade partnerships, and consolidate its active and constructive participation in the multilateral trading system. This fourth review of trade policies offers a valuable opportunity for Tunisia to highlight its achievements and reaffirm its determination to continue its economic and trade reforms with the aim of strengthening its competitiveness and active integration into the multilateral trade system.
Statement by Mehdi Alaya, Consultant and Trainer in International Trade
"All the efforts deployed and the importance dedicated to this meeting by the highest level give once again proof of the great will of the Tunisian government to maintain the alignment and conformity of these trade and economic policies and to implement the necessary measures to maintain all credibility in a highly dynamic international environment. The good reputation of our economic policy, popularized by official international bodies, will always have positive repercussions on our 'National Label' in terms of trade exchanges, including the export turnover of Tunisian companies as well as the incentive for local and foreign investment."
