Tunisia

<p>The Textile and clothing programme Phase II project aims to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the textiles and clothing (T&amp;C) sector in Tunisia. By adopting greener practices and adhering to stringent EU regulations, it seeks to preserve jobs and create new, decent employment opportunities through the export of quality, socially, and environmentally conscious products. The initiative will drive the T&amp;C industry towards greater environmental sustainability, circularity, and digitalization, addressing the crucial factors of environmental and social sustainability. In partnership with SECO and Sida, the project will operate on a global level to foster linkages and knowledge sharing, and at a regional level in the MENA countries to promote collaboration and trade. Building on the success of its first phase, Phase 2 will focus on the transformational changes needed for the sector to meet the evolving demands of Western markets for &quot;green&quot; products, thus ensuring the sector&apos;s ability to export to key markets like the EU, US, and Japan.</p>

<p>The second phase of GTEX focusses on the 4 MENA countries of Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia as well as one Asian country.</p><p><span lang="EN-GB">It builds on the achievements of the first phase, consolidates them where required, but focusses on the main challenges that T&amp;C manufacturers face to continue exporting to world markets, namely the twin transition of digitalization and environmental (and social) sustainability. To address these and the expected radical market changes leading to higher imports in Western markets of &ldquo;green&rdquo; quality products with lower volumes of fast fashion, the programme will be transformational in nature.&nbsp;</span></p><p>In line with these requirements that are expected to have far reaching implications last seen during the quota phase out in 2005, the overall expected impact of the programme is to<strong>&nbsp;</strong>increase income along the value chain through a more productive, inclusive, and greener T&amp;C sector. Following discussions with both donors, the programme will pursue 2 outcomes, namely:</p><ul><li>Increased competitiveness of inclusive T&amp;C enterprises through green and sustainable trade</li><li>Improved ecosystem able to direct the T&amp;C sector towards systemic change addressing inclusiveness and circularity&nbsp;</li></ul><p>Without such responsible practices, manufacturers will likely not be able to export anymore to key markets such as the EU, US, or Japan. &ldquo;Dumping&rdquo; low quality fast fashion products to other markets would also not be an option.</p><p>At the MENA regional level, regional linkages and solutions towards the twin transition will be facilitated and regional collaboration and trade enabled.</p>

<p>In 2016, the establishment of the Arab Countries Trade and Investment Organisations Network (ACTION) under the AfTIAS programme marked a pivotal step towards fostering Arab regional integration. ACTION emerged from the collective ambition of Arab nations to enhance their trade and investment landscape, driven by a mutual commitment to prosperity and interconnectedness within the region.</p><p>Following its formation, ACTION initiated its journey with a key meeting in Dubai. This event was crucial in defining the network&rsquo;s structure and operational guidelines, effectively transforming ACTION from a concept to a functioning entity.</p><p>In 2018, a significant gathering took place in Paris, offering a valuable chance for reflection, reassessment, and revitalization of the network&rsquo;s strategies and direction.</p><p>ACTION stands at a crossroads, poised to redefine its trajectory in an ever-changing global landscape. The Abu Dhabi workshop is not merely a gathering; it is a clarion call for strategic introspection and visionary planning.</p><p>The focus will be on conducting a comprehensive reassessment of the network&rsquo;s current state, identifying areas ripe for innovation and improvement. This exercise is crucial in charting a course that not only addresses the immediate needs of the region but also positions ACTION as a leader in the global trade arena.</p><p>Furthermore, the workshop will emphasize the strengthening of bonds between member TIPOs. In a world where economic fortunes are increasingly intertwined, fostering unity and cohesion within the network is paramount. This reinforced solidarity will be the cornerstone of more effective and impactful regional trade initiatives.</p><p>A significant deliverable of this workshop will be the development of a future roadmap. This roadmap will not just be a strategic document; it will be a manifesto of ACTION&apos;s aspirations and commitments for the coming years. It will outline specific goals, milestones, and initiatives that will propel the network towards new heights of success and influence.</p>

<p>The project focuses on enhancing the textiles and clothing sector in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, and Sri Lanka to meet evolving market demands and adhere to forthcoming EU regulations. This initiative aims to promote greener practices, sustainability, circularity, and digitalization within the T&amp;C industry. By doing so, it ensures the retention of jobs and the creation of higher value-added positions while supporting economic growth and poverty reduction in these countries. The project operates on two key outcomes: enhancing T&amp;C enterprise competitiveness through sustainable trade and fostering a more effective ecosystem capable of driving systemic change, sustainability, and circularity in the sector. This transformation is vital for manufacturers to maintain access to crucial markets like the EU, US, and Japan, as they increasingly demand responsible and high-quality products. Additionally, the program encourages regional and global cooperation, knowledge sharing, and structural changes within the T&amp;C industry.</p>

<p>In view of the challenges to the trade of agricultural products in the NENA region, ITC will provide support<strong>&nbsp;to enhance intra-regional trade in selected agricultural value chains by removing obstacles to export, transit and import.</strong></p><p>The main objectives of this initiative are:</p><ul><li>To improve the livelihood of small-scale producers by unleashing new business opportunities through exports to regional markets</li><li>To reduce the cost of agricultural products for populations in NENA countries that are dependent on imports.</li></ul>