Tunisia and Germany celebrate this year 70 years of a solid friendship, built on values of respect, solidarity, and cooperation.
Since Tunisian independence in 1956, recognized early on by Germany, these relations have intensified through diplomatic exchanges and strategic partnerships, weaving a unique bond between the two nations. Today, in the face of global challenges, this friendship provides a valuable foundation for addressing contemporary issues and building together a prosperous future.
A high-level economic forum
The Consul General of Tunisia in Düsseldorf, Mustapha Ziri, held two essential meetings on February 24 and 25, 2026 to prepare the organization of a Tunisian-German economic forum in Essen in October.
These discussions with the local authorities of the city and the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) aim to strengthen bilateral trade exchanges. The event will bring together Tunisian and German entrepreneurs around growth sectors such as automotive, renewable energy, and the agro-food sector.
This initiative is part of an active economic diplomacy, with Essen being a strategic industrial hub in the Ruhr. Tunisia will present its strengths there to attract investments and partnerships.
First meeting with the City of Essen
On February 24, Ziri held discussions with officials from the Essen city hall to coordinate the reception of the Tunisian delegation. The talks focused on event logistics, including an exhibition fair and B2B sessions in the city’s modern facilities. Essen, the former European Capital of Culture, has congress centers suited to this type of international event.
Local authorities expressed interest in Tunisian products, notably olive oil and textiles, while proposing economic twinnings with Tunisian regions. This urban collaboration strengthens the historical ties between the two countries.
Second meeting with the Federal Employment Agency
On February 25, the consul met with representatives of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit in Düsseldorf. The agency was invited to actively participate in the forum, highlighting opportunities for Tunisian companies in the German labor market. The discussions stressed dual training and skilled recruitment in industry, areas in which Germany excels.
This federal institution, which manages 70,000 employees, will play a key role in connecting German recruiters with Tunisian talents trained in new technologies. Apprenticeship programs were discussed to facilitate professional mobility.
The organization aims at the rapid formation of a Tunisian-German mixed delegation; the reservation of stands for 50 companies; the hosting of targeted sector forums; the signing of direct trade agreements; the launch of post-event monitoring via a digital platform; and media promotion with the chambers of commerce. These steps lay the groundwork for a measurable economic impact by the end of 2026.
