The head of government, Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, stressed, at the opening of the Tunisian-Italian Economic Forum, that the high-level participation in this event, illustrated by the strong presence of a wide range of senior officials, businesspeople, company leaders and economic actors from both countries, reflects a sincere desire to strengthen mutual cooperation and establish successful strategic partnerships, recalling the long-standing Tunisian-Italian relations.
The head of government indicated that this forum is of particular importance, as it coincides with Tunisia and Italy celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.
Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri added that Tunisian-Italian relations continue their upward trajectory, having in recent years undergone a qualitative leap and tangible diversification across several vital sectors, notably the economy, investment, trade and energy, as well as culture, higher education and scientific research.
She assessed that these relations today rise to the level of an exceptional partnership, based on continuous dialogue, close cooperation and mutual respect, strengthened by joint high value-added projects and promising initiatives capable of supporting development and serving the common interests of the two countries.
“The forum constitutes a platform of great importance for strengthening the partnership between the two countries”
The head of government affirmed that Italy represents a strategic partner of first rank for Tunisia and essential support for the consolidation of a Mediterranean space founded on peace, stability and shared development. This dynamic, she added, reinforces the common ambition of the two countries to elevate their bilateral relations to the level of a global and solidary strategic partnership, capable of accompanying the profound mutations in the regional and international environment and addressing common challenges with responsibility and efficiency.
Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri declared that the forum constitutes a platform of great importance to strengthen, develop and elevate the partnership between the two countries to higher levels, through promoting investment, broadening the horizons of economic and commercial cooperation, and creating an environment conducive to strengthening ties among business leaders, investors and economic actors of the two countries.
“The upward momentum of trade has continued”
The head of government noted that Tunisian-Italian economic relations today display a remarkable dynamism. Italy ranks among Tunisia’s main economic partners, occupying first place among investing countries in the energy sector and third place in terms of foreign direct investment.
The number of Italian-participated companies thus exceeds 1,072, for a total investment volume estimated at about 3.7 billion Tunisian dinars. The volume of trade exchanges reached nearly 20.5 billion dinars in 2025, according to her statements.
Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri specified that this upward pace of trade has continued, recording an additional growth of about 8% in the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period of the previous year. She also mentioned Italian tourism to Tunisia, noting that the country hosted more than 160,000 Italian tourists in 2025.
The head of government added that this forum takes place “as Tunisia completes the development plan for the period 2026-2030, which constitutes a pivotal national milestone opening the way to a new phase, placing national priorities at the heart of its objectives to ensure inclusive, fair, and balanced development, as well as social justice, in line with the aspirations of Tunisians.”
She also affirmed that the development plan aims to establish a new equitable development model, capable of building a strong, flexible and resilient economy, able to face geopolitical changes and the rapid evolutions the world is experiencing.
Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri finally indicated that Tunisia is working, in this context, to further improve the investment and business climate to make it more efficient and better suited to enterprises and investors, by offering them the best possible conditions.
