Latest news with #FatmaThabetChiboub
African Manager
19-04-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia weaves Its way Into major European markets as textile powerhouse
Tunisia has solidified its position as the 9th largest apparel supplier to the EU, with textiles accounting for 16% of national industrial exports (worth TND 9 billion in 2024) and achieving a 127% coverage rate, said Industry Minister Fatma Thabet Chiboub. Speaking at the 'Tunisian-European Textile Summit' in Monastir, Thabet added that the textile sector accounts for 29% of industrial employment, with more than 150,000 jobs, and includes 1,400 industrial companies, i.e. 31% of the total number of industrial companies. The Industry Minister took the opportunity to underline the importance of this event, which will help to further strengthen the Euro-Mediterranean partnership to ensure a sustainable, innovative and environmentally responsible textile industry. She was briefed on the components of the Global Textiles and Clothing Programme (GTEX/MENATEX), implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and financed by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), which aims to strengthen the export competitiveness of the textile and clothing sector in 5 countries, including Tunisia. According to data recently published by the Textile Technical Centre (Cettex), Tunisia has a great opportunity to develop exports of jeans and workwear, particularly to Germany and traditional markets. This opportunity could lead to an increase in exports of around 160 million euros and create more than 25,000 jobs. In this context, the Centre believes that the development of Tunisian clothing exports requires greater technical and financial support to assist SMEs in their sustainable and digital transition to comply with European regulations and the rapid transition to the application of simple transformation quotas benefiting from rules of origin. This also requires personalised support for new investors wishing to set up in Tunisia, diplomatic and economic support to promote Tunisia as a location, and the implementation of a specific promotion plan for each market with measures to support operators in the sector. Tunisia is the fourth largest supplier of denim trousers to the EU, with a market share of 8.63% in 2021 compared to 8.46% in 2020, but the analysis of its market positioning shows that there is still room for improvement. It has confirmed its expertise and competitiveness in this flagship product for the sector, according to the same source. In fact, Tunisia will export 17.76 million units of jeans to the EU in 2021, worth 322 million euros, representing a 14% increase in units compared to 2020. EU imports of jeans totalled 438 million units in 2021, with an average price of 8.53 euros. In fact, one in three trousers imported by EU countries is a pair of jeans, compared to one in four 11 years ago. The European jeans market is extremely buoyant, but hyper-competitive,' says the centre. However, Tunisia has the highest average unit price of jeans in the EU at around €18.14, which will increase by 0.22% in 2021 compared to 2020 and by 3.93% compared to 2019(…).
African Manager
06-03-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Is Tunisia on track for a revival of its phosphate industry?
Boosting phosphate production was the focus of a meeting between President Kais Saïed and Industry, Mines and Energy Minister Fatma Thabet Chiboub. According to a statement from the Carthage Palace, the Head of State emphasized the need to restore and even increase the production rate of the phosphate sector while ensuring the protection of workers' rights and taking into account their challenging conditions in the mines. He also highlighted the importance of rebuilding several public infrastructures that previously existed but have disappeared over time. Additionally, the President stressed the imperative of implementing a new strategy for washing phosphate using treated wastewater instead of potable water, which would help conserve water resources. This method has proven effective in several countries. The President also called for a definitive solution to the issue of 'phosphogypsum' in Gabes, exploring the possibility of its exploitation without harmful effects on the environment. In this regard, he recalled studies conducted over a decade ago by engineers and specialists in Gabes, which scientifically demonstrated the viability and safety of this solution. Furthermore, the Head of State ordered the acceleration of efforts to find a permanent solution for the Mezzouna plant in Sidi Bouzid, which falls under the Tunisian Chemical Group in Gafsa. He also called for holding fully accountable those responsible for its closure, which deprived dozens of people of their jobs. Increase in phosphate production in 2024 The Gafsa Phosphate Company (CPG), a pillar of the Tunisian economy, has recorded a notable increase in its commercial phosphate production in 2024, reaching 3.03 million tons. This figure marks an improvement compared to the previous year, when production stood at 2.9 million tons. With an average monthly production of around 250,000 tons, the CPG is showing signs of recovery after several years marked by economic and social challenges. The increase in production in 2024 is seen as a first step toward a sustainable revival of the phosphate sector, which represents a significant portion of Tunisia's exports. In recent years, the CPG has faced numerous obstacles, including social movements, operational interruptions, and issues related to aging equipment. To overcome these challenges, the company has adopted a strategy focused on modernization and improving efficiency. Key measures include the acquisition of new equipment and machinery, optimization of production processes, and strengthening human resources. It is worth noting that phosphate production in Tunisia reached a record 8.1 million tons in 2010. However, since 2011, it has experienced significant fluctuations. The following years saw a marked decline, with production levels ranging between 2.4 million tons in 2011 and 4.4 million tons in 2017. The most considerable drop occurred between 2010 and 2011, when production fell from 8.1 to 2.4 million tons, a decrease of nearly 70%.
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Tunisia: President of Republic stresses need to restore phosphate production and find definitive solution for phosphogypsum in Gabes
Tunis: President Kais Saied emphasised the necessity of restoring the production pace of the phosphate sector and finding a permanent solution for the phosphogypsum in Gabes. This came during a meeting on Tuesday afternoon at the Carthage Palace with Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mines, Fatma Thabet Chiboub, according to a statement from the Presidency of the Republic. The Head of State stressed that this sector must not only regain its previous production levels but exceed them, while ensuring the full rights of workers and taking into account the challenging working conditions in the mining sector. He also highlighted the need to rebuild several public facilities that once existed but have since deteriorated or disappeared. Additionally, the President of the Republic underscored the importance of developing a new strategy for washing phosphate using treated wastewater instead of potable water, as well as finding a definitive solution for the phosphogypsum issue in Gabes. He pointed out the possibility of utilising this byproduct without any negative environmental impact. In this context, he recalled studies conducted over a decade ago by engineers and specialists in Gabes, which scientifically demonstrated the feasibility and safety of this approach. On another note, the President instructed officials to expedite finding a permanent solution for the Mezzouna plant in Sidi Bouzid, which is part of the Gafsa Chemical Group. He also called for holding those responsible for its closure and the resulting loss of jobs fully accountable. © Tap 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Babnet
28-02-2025
- Business
- Babnet
Tunisia: On the 60th Anniversary of Its Establishment, the Minister of Economy Highlights the Strong Partnership Between Tunisia and the African Development Bank
On the evening of Thursday, February 27, 2025, the Minister of Economy and Planning, Mr. Samir Abdelhafidh, participated in the celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the African Development Bank (AfDB). The event was attended by Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy, Ms. Fatma Thabet Chiboub, the Director General of the AfDB's North Africa Regional Office in Tunisia, Mr. Mohamed El Azizi, and Deputy Director General, Ms. Malinne Bloomberg, along with numerous guests from various ministries, public institutions, the private sector, representatives of Tunisian and foreign banking and financial institutions, ambassadors, members of diplomatic missions, UN agencies, and civil society organizations. In his speech, Minister Samir Abdelhafidh extended his warmest congratulations to all bank officials and employees on this occasion, commending the active role the AfDB has played since 1964 in supporting development across the African continent and the successes it has achieved in this regard. The minister recalled Tunisia's significant role in the bank's activities and its evolution, noting that Tunisia was among the founding members, presided over the bank for several years, and hosted its headquarters from 2002 to 2012. Additionally, Tunisia has contributed to all capital increases undertaken by the bank. He also emphasized the strong cooperation between Tunisia and the AfDB, which is considered a key development partner for the country. This partnership is reflected in the bank's financing of numerous programs and projects across vital sectors, including infrastructure, sanitation, energy, digitalization, food security, water resources, and entrepreneurship. The bank has also contributed to funding small business projects as part of economic empowerment initiatives for youth, in addition to financing various strategic studies across multiple fields. Given the substantial financial and technical capacities of the African Development Bank, the minister expressed his confidence in its ability to mobilize further developmental support for African nations and assist them in tackling challenges across various sectors. He also stressed the importance of enhancing the bank's mechanisms to better support these countries in achieving their economic growth and social progress objectives.
Babnet
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- Babnet
Forvia Group Plans to Expand Its Investments in Tunisia and Strengthen Its Presence in the Automotive Components Industry
On Monday, February 24, 2025, Tunisia's Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy, Fatma Thabet Chiboub, welcomed Stéphane Noël, Vice President of the French group Forvia, along with his accompanying delegation at the ministry's headquarters. The meeting was attended by Fathi Sehlawi, Director General of Industrial Manufacturing, and Saber Kilani, Director General of Textiles. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between both parties and implementing new investments in the near future, particularly in the manufacturing of automotive components, specifically seat cushions. The talks also covered the development of the technical textile sector related to this activity and the establishment of a research and development center to support innovation in the field. The minister emphasized the importance of continuing to support investors in this vital sector, which has seen significant growth and has contributed to strengthening local value chains and improving the competitiveness of the automotive equipment and components industry in Tunisia. She also stressed the need to explore new markets, further positioning Tunisia as a regional industrial hub in this strategic sector. Additionally, the meeting included a presentation on the Automotive Smart City project, which is set to be implemented in the coming period. The project aims to attract major global investments in car manufacturing and enhance the sector's infrastructure. It is worth noting that Forvia operates in 33 countries, managing 257 production sites, and providing more than 111,000 jobs worldwide. In Tunisia, the group established its local branch in 2009, employing over 700 workers and executives, with expectations of expanding its activities in the near future.
