The Ministry of Trade and Export Development in Tunisia has launched a series of regional field meetings to promote the "Easy Expo" program, designed to simplify export operations for small and medium-sized enterprises and artisans through the postal network. This initiative seeks to address logistical and procedural challenges faced by economic actors, particularly those in internal regions.
According to Khabeb Al-Hadhri, Director of E-commerce and Digital Economy Development at the Ministry, the "Easy Expo" program aims to promote economic and social inclusion for artisans and enterprises in internal regions. He emphasized that exporting is no longer limited to large companies, and this program will facilitate their participation in international trade.
The Export Promotion Center will cover 50% of international shipping and transportation costs for parcels under this program. In addition, the Tunisian Post has established around 11 one-stop shops in various regions to collect export services for this category and simplify procedures. These centers will provide support to artisans and small enterprises in preparing their exports.
A special system has been established with the Customs Authority, allowing enterprises and artisans to complete a unified customs declaration on a monthly basis, covering all parcels and shipments. This streamlined process is expected to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and facilitate exports. The program will run for four years as part of a digital trade project funded by the European Union and the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development.
The project is being implemented by the German International Cooperation Agency and the International Trade Centre. The current round of field meetings has reached its second stop in the Sousse governorate and will later cover the Sfax and Gabès governorates. This initiative aligns with the Ministry's efforts to develop a national e-commerce strategy for the period 2027-2030.
The strategy is being developed in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development to address issues related to electronic payment, digital marketing, and logistics. The Ministry is making significant progress in preparing this strategy, which will support the growth of e-commerce in Tunisia.
The "Easy Expo" program and the national e-commerce strategy are crucial steps towards promoting digital trade and economic development in Tunisia. By supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and artisans, the government aims to increase their participation in international trade and foster economic growth.
Key points
- The program aims to address logistical and procedural challenges faced by economic actors, particularly those in internal regions.
- The Export Promotion Center will cover 50% of international shipping and transportation costs for parcels under this program.
- A special system has been established with the Customs Authority, allowing enterprises and artisans to complete a unified customs declaration on a monthly basis.
