Tunisia's Trade Minister Samir Oubid participated in the 42nd meeting of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 2-3, 2026. The meeting was chaired by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and attended by 25 trade, economy, and finance ministers from OIC member states. The meeting focused on developing effective trade finance tools to increase exports in OIC member states.
Minister Oubid emphasized the importance of developing effective trade finance tools to boost exports in OIC member states, citing the crucial role of trade and exports in driving economic growth, especially in the face of rising protectionism, trade wars, and global supply chain disruptions. He highlighted Tunisia's experience in trade finance and export development, which relies on a comprehensive system of specialized institutions for financing, guarantees, insurance, and promotion.
Oubid showcased Tunisia's integrated approach to supporting exports, including state and public institution interventions, as well as digitalization of procedures related to foreign trade. He stressed the significance of trade finance in enhancing the competitiveness of exporting companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and facilitating their access to foreign markets.
The minister also emphasized the importance of sharing experiences and best practices in trade finance among OIC member states to increase intra-OIC trade. He highlighted the role of OIC institutions, such as the Islamic Development Bank, in providing trade finance and guarantees for exports and investments.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Oubid held bilateral meetings with several counterparts, including Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat, Libyan Economy and Trade Minister Souhail Bouchih, and Nigerien Trade and Industry Minister Abdoulaye Seibo. These meetings focused on strengthening bilateral trade and economic relations and exploring opportunities for cooperation and investment.
Oubid also met with Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Fريد صالح, Senegalese Minister of Industry and Trade Serigne Gueye Diop, and the CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Institution (ITFC), Adib Yousif Al-Ama. These meetings aimed to enhance cooperation and explore new avenues for trade and investment between Tunisia and these countries.
Finally, Oubid met with the new Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ismail Weld El Sheikh Ahmed, to review the long-standing relations between Tunisia and the OIC and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in economic and social development.
Key points
- Tunisia's Trade Minister Samir Oubid participates in the 42nd OIC Economic and Commercial Cooperation Committee meeting to discuss trade finance and export development.
