More than 60 financial, insurance, and economic institutions from 8 Mediterranean and European countries are meeting in Tunisia to discuss new trade financing mechanisms and risk management strategies. The gathering, known as the Mediterranean Forum for International Trade, is taking place from October 5 to 6, 2026. The forum is organized by the Libyan Banks Union and the Libyan Insurance Union, in collaboration with Tunisia's stock exchange and the Tunisian Company for Foreign Trade Insurance, or COTINAS.
The forum brings together representatives from financial institutions, insurance companies, and economic organizations from Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, Malta, Italy, Turkey, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. The goal is to foster economic cooperation and expand partnership opportunities among stakeholders in the region by exchanging expertise and seeking innovative solutions to support trade and investment. Participants will focus on several key issues related to trade and investment, including trade financing, risk management, digital transformation, cross-border payments, cybersecurity, and financial technology.
The discussions will also center on the need for greater integration between the banking, insurance, and private sectors. Developing trade financing tools and providing suitable insurance solutions can support exporting institutions, enabling them to access foreign markets and mitigate risks associated with cross-border transactions. This is particularly relevant in the current international context, marked by rapid changes in trade dynamics, economic fluctuations, and rising risks linked to geopolitical tensions.
The Mediterranean region holds significant importance due to its strategic location, connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia. This position offers economic potential, trade links, and historical ties that can be leveraged to develop exchanges, investments, and new partnerships. The forum will also explore opportunities for leveraging technological advancements to enhance financial and insurance services, accelerate transactions, and improve security, particularly through financial technology solutions, digitalization, and cross-border payment systems.
In parallel, the need to protect data and strengthen cybersecurity is growing. The two-day forum will feature specialized panel discussions to share experiences, address challenges related to trade financing, investment, and risk management, and showcase products and services. A company exhibition will provide a platform for participants to discover new opportunities for cooperation and partnerships.
Key topics to be addressed during the forum include the transformation of the financial sector, the increasing need for flexible financing solutions, and the importance of innovative insurance products. The gathering aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, share best practices, and explore new avenues for collaboration.
By facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise, the Mediterranean Forum for International Trade seeks to contribute to the development of more efficient and resilient trade financing mechanisms, ultimately supporting economic growth and cooperation in the region.
Key points
- The forum aims to foster economic cooperation and expand partnership opportunities among stakeholders in the region.
- The gathering focuses on several key issues related to trade and investment, including trade financing, risk management, and digital transformation.
- The forum seeks to provide a platform for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, share best practices, and explore new avenues for collaboration.
