On September 22, Tunisian Defence Minister Khalid Sehili inaugurated the first conference organised by the Military Research Centre on technological development and defence manufacturing. The event, held at the National Centre for Cartography and Remote Sensing, brought together officials from national industrial institutions, Tunisian experts, and military and civilian personnel. Minister Sehili emphasised the significance of the conference, which aligns with the current phase in Tunisia's development.
Minister Sehili stressed the need to mobilise all available human, material, intellectual, and technological resources to ensure a successful economic transition and provide a new impetus to the national economy. He highlighted the importance of diversifying the economy by relying on self-sufficiency. The minister also underscored the value of partnerships between the public and private sectors in supporting scientific research, technological development, and openness to national research institutions and technological hubs.
The conference aimed to establish a national strategy for military manufacturing, reducing reliance on complete imports of military equipment. Minister Sehili encouraged the use of local capabilities, human resources, and the national industrial fabric. He noted that Tunisian institutions have demonstrated their ability to design, develop, manufacture, and integrate, achieving high levels of quality and specialisation. This enables them to utilise these capacities in defence-related sectors, provided the necessary technical, institutional, and security conditions are met.
Minister Sehili expressed the military institution's aspiration to move beyond individual projects and build a sustainable national defence industry. This industry would be based on technological accumulation and strategic partnerships between the military institution, universities, research centres, and the national industrial fabric. The minister had previously engaged with some industrial participants and visited an exhibition showcasing samples of industrial products and technological renewal projects.
The exhibition featured products from national industrial institutions, highlighting their capabilities in defence manufacturing. Minister Sehili's visit demonstrated the government's commitment to promoting a national defence industry. The conference and exhibition provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss and explore opportunities for collaboration and development in the defence sector.
Tunisia's efforts to establish a sustainable national defence industry align with its broader economic development goals. The country seeks to reduce its reliance on imports and promote self-sufficiency in strategic sectors. The defence industry is a key area of focus, with the government aiming to leverage local capabilities and resources to drive growth and innovation.
The conference and exhibition have provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to engage and explore possibilities for collaboration. The event has highlighted the potential for partnerships between the public and private sectors to drive growth and innovation in the defence industry. Key points include the importance of technological development, strategic partnerships, and self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.
Key points
- Tunisian Defence Minister Khalid Sehili calls for a sustainable national defence industry.
- The government aims to reduce reliance on imports and promote self-sufficiency in strategic sectors.
- Partnerships between the public and private sectors are crucial for driving growth and innovation in the defence industry.
