Tunisian Textile Industry Unveils New Strategy to Boost Competitiveness
The Tunisian Federation of Textile and Clothing (FTTH) has presented a new sectoral strategy, aiming to strengthen the country's position in international value chains. According to Abdelaziz Sifaoui, a member of the FTTH, the industry must "change before being forced to change" in order to remain competitive.
Key Objectives
The new strategy focuses on:
- Innovation
- Artificial intelligence
- Technical textiles
- Sustainability
These objectives are the result of an in-depth analysis of the market and the expectations of international clients. Currently, over 80% of Tunisia's textile production is exported, mainly to Europe, a market that has become more volatile, demanding, and sensitive to issues of proximity and sustainability.
Proximity and Sustainability: Key Advantages
Rym Zariat, a member of the FTTH's communication bureau, highlighted that brands are now seeking shorter supply chains to reduce logistical risks and their environmental footprint. Tunisia's geographical proximity to Europe is a strategic advantage, making it an attractive partner for international brands. Additionally, the country's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and very small enterprises (VSEs) are well-equipped to respond to the increasing demand for flexibility and reactivity.
Durability: A Crucial Criterion
Sustainability has become a essential criterion for the textile industry. With the gradual implementation of new environmental requirements in Europe, manufacturers must demonstrate the environmental impact of their products throughout their life cycle. This is no longer a trend, but a requirement, and several Tunisian companies are already engaged in this transformation.
Roadmap for the Future
To support this evolution, the FTTH has structured its roadmap around a first cycle of short-term actions covering the period 2026-2027. One of the flagship projects concerns the development of a sovereign artificial intelligence dedicated to the sector. The goal is to build a platform capable of protecting the data of Tunisian companies while sharing knowledge within the sector.
Other Priorities
The federation also plans to:
- Create an innovation hub to share best practices and disseminate successful experiences in digitalization, automation, and product development
- Improve the image of the sector among young people and develop skills related to Industry 4.0
- Develop technical and medical textiles, considered a key driver of growth for the next decade
- Reduce dependence on Asian supplies and strengthen presence in new European, African, and Middle Eastern markets
Future Competitiveness
According to Rym Zariat, the future competitiveness of the Tunisian textile industry will not be based on size or production volume, but on added value, specialization, and the ability of companies to become strategic partners for international brands rather than just subcontractors. This evolution is considered essential for the sector to reach a new stage of development.
