Tunisia's Economy and Planning Minister Samir Abdel Hafeez participated in the 11th annual meetings of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Doha, Qatar, on September 28-29, 2026. The meetings focused on enhancing sustainable investments. Minister Abdel Hafeez met with AIIB President Zhou Qiyue on September 27, 2026, to discuss the bank's potential financing of an urban transportation project in Tunisia in partnership with the World Bank.
The urban transportation project is the first financial operation between the AIIB and the Tunisian state. President Zhou Qiyue expressed her willingness to study project proposals outlined in Tunisia's upcoming five-year development plan. Minister Abdel Hafeez also reviewed other planned projects in infrastructure, energy, and water sectors with AIIB's Chief Investment Officer Konstantin Limetovski.
On the sidelines of the meetings, Minister Abdel Hafeez held bilateral talks with Qatar's Finance Minister and AIIB Governor Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari. They emphasized the importance of Qatari investments in Tunisia and explored ways to support and diversify them. The Tunisian minister also met with officials from the Qatar Development Fund, stressing the need to implement agreements related to the fund's financing of agreed-upon projects.
The AIIB's annual meetings, themed "Infrastructure: Impact and Innovation," brought together governors of member countries, government representatives, private sector entities, and international financial institutions. The meetings aimed to provide innovative financing solutions to address climate change. Minister Abdel Hafeez highlighted Tunisia's interest in securing sustainable investments to boost its economy.
According to recent data, Tunisia's biological product exports increased by 14.5% during the first eight months of 2026. The country's investment authority announced that over 600 jobs are expected to be created from investment projects worth over 100 million dinars. These developments align with the government's efforts to stimulate economic growth.
A sustainable development expert emphasized that energy, water, and economic revival are among the top priorities for 2027. The expert's statement underscores the importance of addressing these sectors to achieve sustainable growth. Tunisia's economy is expected to benefit from the AIIB's investments in infrastructure and other key sectors.
The AIIB's investments in Tunisia are expected to have a positive impact on the country's economic development. The bank's financing of the urban transportation project and other initiatives will help address Tunisia's infrastructure needs. The Tunisian government is working to create a favorable business environment to attract more investments and stimulate economic growth.
Key points
- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to study proposals for infrastructure projects in Tunisia.
- Urban transportation project to be financed by the AIIB and World Bank.
- Tunisia seeking to boost investments and stimulate economic growth.
