First Co-Organized Roadshow by UBCI, European Investment Bank (EIB), and Supported by the European Union Concludes Today
After touring the four main economic cities in Tunisia, the final stage of this unprecedented collaboration between a Tunisian reference bank, UBCI, and the EIB, in favor of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)** active across the Tunisian territory, comes to a close today.
Objective: To directly reach entrepreneurs in their regions, offering concrete financing solutions, tools to improve their international competitiveness, and personalized support to strengthen their integration into specific export value chains for each region.
**Benefits of the Program for Tunisian SMEs This initiative is part of the Trade and Competitiveness Programme (TCP) and, more broadly, the financing made available by the EIB and the European Union to support Tunisia's Economic Recovery Plan. The goal is to accompany the international development of Tunisian SMEs while strengthening trade relations between Tunisia and the EU.
The TCP provides a financing mechanism for sectors directly related to strengthening export value chains (agri-food, automotive, or textiles). It is also accompanied by guarantees to cover the risk of financial institutions willing to channel their lending to projects generating environmental or social impacts.
Accompanying Entrepreneurs in the Regions This week, Invest and Export Solutions roadshow covered the Tunisian territory, from Sfax to Tunis, passing through Sousse and Hammamet, to respond to the specific needs of local entrepreneurs in these regions.
This initiative presented tailored financing and support solutions, highlighting the sectoral strengths of each region. It reinforced synergies between entrepreneurs, economic actors, institutions, and investors. Particular emphasis was placed on integrating sustainable practices, such as decarbonization and compliance with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (MACF), to prepare them for European environmental standards.
As part of the preparations for this regional tour, the EIB's technical assistance team delivered a series of training sessions for around 100 business managers and agency directors of UBCI. These sessions focused on orienting business strategies towards exportation, while integrating environmental issues.
"Through this initiative, UBCI once again demonstrates its commitment to the Tunisian economy by helping local SMEs acquire the necessary financial and technical means to access international markets," highlighted Mohamed Koubaa, General Manager of UBCI. He added, "Concluding this roadshow in Tunis, after stages in three other key economic regions of the country, illustrates our willingness to meet our clients where they operate, with solutions that precisely respond to their needs."
Jean-Luc Revéreault, EIB Representative in Tunisia, stated: "The EIB actively supports Tunisian SMEs in their transition to more competitive, sustainable, and export-oriented models. Through the Trade & Competitiveness Programme, we provide them with adapted financing and proximity technical support to durably integrate into export value chains. By going to meet entrepreneurs, this roadshow illustrates this commitment to offer concrete solutions adapted to the realities of each region."
Marco Stella, Head of Economic Development Section of the European Union, declared: "SMEs are the engine of job creation in Tunisia, especially for young people and women. That's why the European Union attaches great importance to their support. Through this Invest and Export Solutions project, we are proud to support concrete initiatives that strengthen the internationalization and competitiveness of Tunisian enterprises. We particularly welcome the regional approach of this project, in line with our commitment to support the real economy closest to the territories, especially those that have had less to fully realize their potential."
