CEO of the Export Promotion Center (CEPEX), Mourad Ben Hassine, stated that the export targets set for 2025 have been achieved. He noted that the value of exports reached 57.9 billion dinars by the end of November, representing an increase of 1.5% compared with the same period in 2024.
Speaking on Express FM on Thursday, January 8, 2026, he explained that preliminary estimates point to export volumes of around 63 billion dinars by the end of December 2025.
He stressed that this improvement does not rule out the need to continue efforts to support and assist exporting companies.
He recalled that over the past year, the Center carried out at least 68 promotional actions, averaging one per week, in addition to implementing several structuring programs, particularly in the field of digitalization, aimed at improving the quality of services provided to businesses.
Ben Hassine emphasized that the Center’s work mainly targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as new exporters (first-time exporters), who benefit from support and financing programs alongside promising export opportunities.
He also referred to the regular organization of activities through the Center’s representations to ensure the presence of Tunisian products across various foreign markets.
He added that CEPEX is currently working on more than 200 products, covering maritime industries, agri-food products, and processing industries, which strengthens opportunities for integration into global value chains.
He also noted that in 2025, exports reached 166 commercial destinations, sometimes nearing 200 destinations, confirming the ability of Tunisian companies to adapt and offer products that meet international norms and standards.
2026 program
Regarding 2026, Ben Hassine announced the preparation of an annual program providing for 65 promotional activities, including participation in major international economic events and expansion into new markets.
He also announced the organization of the fourth edition of the “Tunisian–African Business Meetings” in December 2026, with invitations to at least 130 business leaders, men and women, from around 30 sub-Saharan African countries, as well as the scheduling of direct business meetings bringing together more than 200 Tunisian companies operating in high-potential sectors.
In the same context, he confirmed preparations for participation in Belgrade Expo 2027, with preparatory work starting in 2026, as well as Riyadh Expo 2030.
Ben Hassine also announced the launch of CEPEX’s new digital platform, designed as an integrated information and communication hub and a high value-added practical tool for the various stakeholders in the export ecosystem.
He explained that the platform aims to improve the user experience and facilitate access to and exchange of commercial information, both for Tunisian exporters, the main beneficiaries of the Center’s services and for foreign importers.
Within the same framework, he said that CEPEX has developed a specific promotional program for olive oil and dates for 2026, including more than 30 promotional actions, ranging from participation in international trade fairs to exploration missions to new markets and direct overseas promotion campaigns.
Ben Hassine reaffirmed that the Export Promotion Center will continue supporting businesses, stressing that the main challenge remains accompanying Tunisian companies throughout the entire export process.
