Tunisia is striving to establish itself as a regional logistics hub in the Mediterranean and a gateway to the African market. To achieve this goal, the country is keen to modernize its maritime transport sector and port infrastructure. The 'Seaports Days' event, held on September 22-23, was initiated by the US Embassy in Tunisia. This event aims to draw inspiration from US expertise and solutions in port construction and modernization, inspection and security technologies, smart port digitalization, and infrastructure project financing.

The 'Seaports Days' event provides a platform for Tunisian stakeholders to connect with American and international companies, experts, and financial institutions. This will enable the exploration of ways to expand commercial cooperation and consolidate investments between the US and Tunisia in the port and maritime sectors. Tunisia's Transport Minister, Rachid Amri, emphasized that the country's approach aligns with international safety and security standards, environmental protection, and sustainable development. He highlighted the program to develop port infrastructure, including a deep-water port and a 2,000-hectare logistics zone.

Minister Amri outlined the plan to update the technical studies for the Enfidha deep-water port within the next three months to facilitate the project's realization. Additionally, Tunisia has embarked on restructuring its national maritime fleet by modernizing existing ships and acquiring new ones that meet green shipping standards. The country aims to enhance its logistics system's efficiency and organization to boost the national economy's competitiveness and integration into global value chains.

US Ambassador to Tunisia, Bill Bazzi, stressed that the 'Seaports Days' event demonstrates the US commitment to supporting safe, efficient, and connected ports in Tunisia. He noted that American companies are leaders in maritime infrastructure, port security, and technology, ensuring quality, transparency, and respect in every project. The US Embassy's initiative aligns with Tunisia's goals to develop its maritime sector and enhance cooperation between the two countries.

The development of Tunisia's port infrastructure is crucial for the country's economic growth and integration into the global market. The Enfidha deep-water port project is expected to play a significant role in this endeavor. Minister Amri emphasized the need for innovative solutions and collective action to address the challenges facing the maritime sector, including ecological transition, digital transformation, and port security.

The 'Seaports Days' event highlights the importance of international cooperation and investment in Tunisia's maritime sector. The country's efforts to modernize its port infrastructure and maritime fleet are expected to enhance its competitiveness and attract foreign investment. The US support for Tunisia's maritime sector development demonstrates the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Tunisian government's commitment to developing its maritime sector is reflected in its plans to enhance port infrastructure, modernize the maritime fleet, and improve logistics services. The 'Seaports Days' event has provided a platform for stakeholders to explore opportunities for cooperation and investment in the sector. The outcome of the event is expected to contribute to Tunisia's goal of becoming a regional logistics hub.

Key points

  • The 'Seaports Days' event was initiated by the US Embassy in Tunisia to support the country's efforts to modernize its maritime sector and port infrastructure.
  • Tunisia aims to develop a deep-water port and a 2,000-hectare logistics zone as part of its port infrastructure development program.
  • The US support for Tunisia's maritime sector development demonstrates the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.