As the International Trade Centre (ITC) embarks on a new phase of its work with Tunisia’s clothing industry, it aims to introduce digital systems and more sustainable processes directly to businesses. The second phase of the project was launched in Tunis on June 14, 2024, marking a significant step towards enhancing the sector’s export competitiveness and job creation.
Promoting Sustainability and Competitiveness
The project emphasizes circular production methods to produce zero waste, benefiting the environment and giving companies a competitive edge in addressing consumer concerns about fast fashion. This shift is expected to create more and better jobs, particularly for women.
Mehdi Chaker, ITC project manager, highlighted the project’s ambitious goals: “Today, we celebrate the successes of the initial phase and embark on a promising new chapter aimed at boosting the export competitiveness of the Tunisian textile sector through economic development and job creation.”
Achievements of the First Phase
The initial phase of the project, known as GTEX/MENATEX, saw ITC collaborating with policymakers to improve the regulatory environment, business support organizations, and academic institutions to enhance training. Small businesses and fashion designers received direct support, especially in regions outside the capital.
Key achievements from this phase include:
- 44 small businesses engaging in international transactions.
- 586 new contracts signed, resulting in a $45 million increase in export value.
- Creation of 3,140 jobs since 2017, including 422 jobs for women and 218 promotions for women to higher positions.
- Four women designers gained international visibility, securing orders worth $10,000 from clients in Belgium and the UAE.
Launch of the Second Phase
The launch event for the second phase saw participation from the ITC project team, representatives from donor organizations SECO and Sida, and key figures from public and private Tunisian institutions, industry leaders, and fashion designers. Donor and institutional representatives acknowledged the gains from the first phase and stressed the importance of enhancing the regulatory framework, industry collaboration, and global competitiveness of Tunisian businesses.
The second phase, spanning from 2024 to 2027, will operate on two levels:
- Improving policy and the institutional ecosystem.
- Working directly with enterprises, including small businesses, fashion designers, leading companies, and green technology providers.
The event concluded with a fashion show featuring the latest collections from Tunisian designers involved in GTEX/MENATEX II, showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity that reflects the richness and diversity of Tunisian fashion.
With the launch of this second phase, a new step has been taken to energize and strengthen the Tunisian textile industry, opening promising prospects for the future.
Source: International Trade Centre (ITC)
 embarks on a new phase of its work with Tunisia’s clothing industry, it aims to introduce digital ...){kind=link}