Tunisian Trade Minister Samir Oubid has called for the development of innovative financing mechanisms to boost trade and exports among member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Oubid made the remarks while participating in the 42nd session of the OIC's Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul on November 2-3, 2026. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the competitiveness of exporting institutions, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
Oubid highlighted the challenges facing exporting institutions, including rising production and transportation costs, increased commercial and geopolitical risks, and growing protectionism. He stressed the need for effective financing tools to support exports and promote economic growth. The minister also showcased Tunisia's experience in trade financing and export development, which involves a combination of state and public institution interventions.
The Tunisian minister emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation between financing and guarantee institutions, as well as support structures for enterprises in OIC member states. He encouraged the use of OIC institutions, such as the Islamic Development Bank, to finance trade, guarantee exports, and promote investments. Oubid also called for the development of practical programs and projects that integrate the roles of various OIC institutions.
Oubid met with several counterparts on the sidelines of the meeting, including trade ministers from Turkey, Libya, Niger, Djibouti, Pakistan, Egypt, and Senegal. The meetings focused on bilateral economic and trade relations, as well as exploring new opportunities for trade and investment. He also met with the CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Institution, Adib Yousif Al-A'ma.
The 42nd session of COMCEC was held under the theme "Developing Effective Trade Financing Tools to Increase Exports in OIC Member States." The meeting was chaired by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and attended by 25 ministers of trade, economy, and finance from OIC member states. Oubid also met with the new OIC Secretary-General, Ismail Weld Cheikh Ahmed.
During his meeting with the OIC Secretary-General, Oubid discussed cooperation between Tunisia and the OIC, as well as the country's contributions to OIC programs and activities. The two officials also reviewed the role of OIC institutions in supporting Tunisia's economic and social development.
The COMCEC meeting aimed to promote economic cooperation and trade among OIC member states. The session provided a platform for ministers to discuss ways to enhance trade financing, promote exports, and foster economic growth. Key points include:
Key points
- Tunisian Trade Minister Samir Oubid calls for innovative financing mechanisms to boost trade and exports among OIC member states.
- Oubid highlights the challenges facing exporting institutions, including rising costs and growing protectionism.
- The 42nd session of COMCEC focuses on developing effective trade financing tools to increase exports in OIC member states.
