Switzerland’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Josef Renggli, stated that Switzerland was one of the first countries to recognize Tunisia and establish bilateral relations following its independence in 1956.
“Next year, we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of Tunisian-Swiss relations**. The relationship is very good, marked by close friendship,” he said.
Speaking on Ecomag on Express FM on Monday, November 3, 2025, Renggli noted that Switzerland is the 10th largest foreign investor in Tunisia and 5th in terms of job creation, with 14,000 jobs generated.
He added that trade exchanges between the two countries amount to around 415 million Swiss francs (1.5 billion dinars). “We are working to increase these exchanges in the interest of both countries, and this is improving year after year,” he said.
The ambassador explained that textiles account for 70% of Tunisia’s exports to Switzerland, while agricultural products and electronic components are also exported from Tunisia to the Swiss market.
“The state does not intervene in the choice of sectors for Swiss companies. It is the private sector that makes its own decisions based on available opportunities,” he clarified.
Regarding Switzerland’s cooperation program in Tunisia, Renggli stressed that it does not directly address economic or trade sectors: “We are working closely with the Tunisian authorities to support Tunisia in its development efforts.”
