Textiles dominate Tunisia’s export portfolio to Switzerland, accounting for 70% of all Tunisian goods entering the Swiss market, according to Josef Renggli, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Tunisia.
Speaking during an interview on Ecomag on Express FM on Monday, November 3, 2025, Ambassador Renggli highlighted the strength of bilateral relations, reminding that Switzerland was among the first countries to recognize Tunisia after 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.
Switzerland: Major Investor and Job Creator in Tunisia
Renggli revealed that Switzerland ranks as the 10th largest foreign investor in Tunisia and 5th in job creation, with Swiss companies generating around 14,000 jobs in the country.
Trade between the two nations is growing steadily, with exchanges valued at approximately 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.
Strong Textile Trade, Expanding Diversification
While textiles represent the overwhelming share of Tunisian exports to Switzerland, Renggli noted that agricultural products and electronic components are also part of the export flow.
He emphasized that Swiss companies choose their investment sectors independently:
“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.”
Cooperation Focused on Development
Renggli added that Switzerland’s cooperation program in Tunisia does not directly target trade or economic sectors, but rather supports Tunisia’s broader development priorities through collaborative initiatives with government authorities.
