The Centre de Promotion des Exportations (CEPEX) in Tunisia has initiated a series of consultative meetings with various export sectors, professional organizations, and logistics partners to develop its 2027 export promotion program. This effort aims to identify target markets, prioritize geographic areas, and enhance the program's components in preparation for the upcoming National Foreign Trade Council meeting.
The first phase of these roundtable discussions took place from September 15 to 18, 2026, at the Maison de l'Exportateur, under the chairmanship of Mourad Ben Hassine, CEO of CEPEX. The meetings involved sectoral structure officials, professional federations, and representatives from the banking sector, transportation, and insurance companies.
The working sessions focused on evaluating the technical aspects of promotional actions executed in 2026 and examining the proposed calendar of commercial events for 2027. These exchanges enabled the identification of specific needs for each sector and discussion of opportunities for accessing new export destinations.
The first phase brought together operators from mechanical and electrical industries, public works, construction materials, healthcare services, pharmaceutical industries, textile-apparel, leather and footwear, handicrafts, and higher education and vocational training sectors. This dialogue allowed CEPEX to identify structural and conjunctural barriers hindering Tunisian enterprises in international markets and adapt future support tools accordingly.
Mourad Ben Hassine announced the finalization of new regulatory procedures related to the restructuring of the Fonds de Promotion des Exportations (FOPRODEX). A reform is being implemented to consolidate the financing of promotional programs focused on key sectors and support the expansion of Tunisian enterprises into unexplored markets.
The CEPEX is also deploying specific promotional strategies for flagship agricultural products, such as olive oil and dates, to intensify prospecting in high-growth potential markets. The second phase of consultations will open next week, covering the agri-food sector, information technology, and other areas.
The upcoming phase will involve the Tunisian Textile and Clothing Federation, national chambers of commerce, CONECT, and mixed consular structures to integrate concrete recommendations into the 2027 development plan.
Key points
- The CEPEX has launched sectoral consultations to structure its 2027 export promotion program.
- The program aims to identify target markets and prioritize geographic areas for Tunisian exports.
- The consultations will inform the development of the 2027 export promotion program and support the expansion of Tunisian enterprises into new markets.
