Tunisia's Minister of Equipment and Housing, Salah Zouari, has announced an ambitious plan to develop the country's industrial sector, with a focus on the Médenine region. The region currently has 80 industrial units, employing around 4,000 people. However, the minister believes that Médenine has significant potential for growth, with its strategic location as a hub between Tunisia, the Maghreb, and Africa.
The minister's plans involve the creation of 3,000 new industrial units, which could generate up to 40,000 jobs. He made the announcement during the closing ceremony of the 3rd edition of the Investment Days in Médenine, held in Zarzis. The event brought together government ministries and concerned structures to find concrete solutions to investment intentions. The minister emphasized the importance of accelerating procedures to implement these projects.
Médenine's infrastructure is a major advantage, with a commercial port, international airport, economic activity zones, and border posts. The minister believes that this infrastructure qualifies the region to become a production and logistics hub with high added value. The region's proximity to the Libyan market and its opening to Africa and the Mediterranean also offer opportunities for industrial development, particularly in the agro-food and construction materials sectors.
The minister highlighted the potential for development in the border posts and the possible extension of the Zarzis economic activity zone, in coordination with the ministries of Training and Higher Education. He also emphasized the importance of digitalization and artificial intelligence in improving productivity. The minister visited several projects, including a manufacturing unit for restaurant equipment in Zarzis, which will create 110 jobs with an investment of two million dinars.
During his visit, the minister also launched a unit for valorizing crab in Bougrara, which has invested six million dinars and currently employs 60 people, with the potential to create 300 jobs. Several Tunisian investors residing abroad were honored for their projects in Zarzis, including those related to agricultural waste valorization and wheat transformation. A financial institution was also distinguished for financing five projects from the previous edition.
The minister participated in two roundtable discussions on the industrial and logistics sectors, as well as artificial intelligence. He also awarded prizes to the three winners of a hackathon that brought together 30 young people. The event demonstrated the government's commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
The industrial development plan for Médenine aims to leverage the region's strengths and create new opportunities for growth and employment. With a focus on infrastructure development, digitalization, and innovation, the government hopes to attract investors and stimulate economic activity in the region. The success of these initiatives will depend on the effective implementation of the announced projects and the involvement of various stakeholders.
Key points
- The Tunisian government plans to create 40,000 jobs through the development of 3,000 new industrial units in the Médenine region.
- The region's infrastructure, including a commercial port and international airport, makes it an attractive location for industrial investment.
- The government is promoting innovation and entrepreneurship through initiatives such as hackathons and support for young entrepreneurs.
