Trade and Competitiveness Programme (TCP) Launches in Tunisia
A press conference was recently held in Tunis to launch the "Trade and Competitiveness Programme (TCP)", a project funded by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and other institutions. This programme aims to improve the competitiveness of Tunisian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in priority export value chains: agriculture, agro-food, textiles, and automotive.
Boosting Tunisia's Economic Fabric
The TCP is part of a reinforced support dynamic for Tunisia's economic fabric. It combines technical support, facilitated access to financing, and accompaniment towards a green transition. During the meeting, speakers highlighted the strategic importance of SMEs, which represent 96% of the national economic fabric and play a crucial part in job creation and regional development**.
EU Commitment to Supporting Real Economy
According to Marco Stella, Head of the EU's Economic Development Section, the programme translates the EU's willingness to support the economy. He recalled that the project, carried by the EU in partnership with the EU Delegation and the International Organization's Agency for Development and Investment (ADIOI), will mobilize additional resources for Tunisian SMEs. The goal is to create an investment, innovation, and export-friendly environment, while integrating sustainability issues.
EIB Support for Tunisian SMEs
Jean-Luc Revéreault, Head of the EIB's Representation in Tunisia, presented the instruments put in place to support SMEs, including a €170 million line signed with the Central Bank of Tunisia to improve financing. He also mentioned a future line to encourage banks to support higher-risk but high-potential SMEs. These instruments are part of a broader regional effort to relaunch post-crisis and build resilience in the face of geopolitical, climate, and economic challenges.
Environmental Sustainability
The programme provides specific support to help companies adopt environmentally friendly practices, reduce their carbon footprint, and water consumption, particularly in sectors like textiles. This approach also aims to anticipate new standards, such as the carbon border tax.
Team Europe Approach
This initiative reinforces the coordination between European stakeholders present in Tunisia as part of the Team Europe approach, which brings together the efforts of the European Commission, the EIB, and bilateral development agencies of EU member states. It is also aligned with the priorities of the Tunisian government, particularly in terms of economic relaunch and SME support.
