Tunisia's Transport Minister, Rashid Al-Amri, has emphasized the country's efforts to upgrade its maritime transport and port infrastructure. This initiative aligns with international trends in maritime safety and security, environmental protection, and sustainable development. The goal is to establish Tunisia as a regional logistics hub in the Mediterranean and a gateway to Africa. This strategic direction involves developing port infrastructure, creating a deep-water port, and setting up a 2000-hectare logistics zone.
The development plan includes enhancing connections to rail and road networks. Minister Al-Amri made these statements during the "Maritime Port Days" conference in Tunis on September 22-23, 2026. The conference brought together Tunisian officials and international experts to discuss port development and maritime transport. Tunisia is working to restructure its national maritime fleet by upgrading existing ships and acquiring new ones that meet international maritime standards.
The government aims to improve the efficiency and organization of the logistics system to support the national economy's competitiveness and integration into global value chains. This involves establishing a legal and institutional framework, regulating logistics professions, and developing relevant skills. The maritime sector is undergoing rapid transformations due to technological advancements and changes in cargo handling, posing new challenges that require innovative solutions.
Key challenges include promoting green transformation and sustainability, accelerating digitalization and artificial intelligence adoption, and enhancing port security and resilience. The US Ambassador to Tunisia, Bill Bazie, noted that the "Maritime Port Days" conference brings together prominent American companies and Tunisian officials to explore new business opportunities in the maritime sector. American companies are interested in investing in Tunisia's port infrastructure, security, and operational technologies.
The US is committed to supporting Tunisia's development of safe, efficient, and connected ports, which is a shared economic, security, and national priority. The conference reflects the ongoing cooperation between the US and Tunisia in the maritime sector. Tunisian officials and private sector experts are discussing ways to enhance port operations, security, and sustainability.
The "Maritime Port Days" conference is an initiative of the US Embassy in Tunisia, bringing together American private sector experts, financial institutions, and Tunisian officials. The event aims to foster partnerships and explore investment opportunities in Tunisia's maritime sector. The conference highlights the importance of international cooperation in developing Tunisia's port infrastructure and maritime transport.
The Tunisian government is committed to investing in human capital and developing skills in the maritime sector. The country seeks to benefit from international expertise and best practices in port management and maritime transport. The US-Tunisia cooperation in the maritime sector is expected to contribute to Tunisia's economic growth and development.
Key points
- Tunisia aims to establish itself as a regional logistics hub in the Mediterranean and a gateway to Africa.
- The country is working to upgrade its port infrastructure, including the development of a deep-water port and logistics zone.
- The US is committed to supporting Tunisia's development of safe, efficient, and connected ports.
