Tunisia is increasingly positioning itself as a strategic manufacturing and logistics hub for Turkish companies seeking access to both European and African markets, according to Turkish investor Selçuk Yılmaz.Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Yılmaz emphasized that Tunisia’s geographic location, industrial capabilities, and proximity to Europe have made the country an important base for Turkish businesses operating in export-oriented sectors, particularly textiles and apparel.
Yılmaz, who employs nearly 2,000 people in Tunisia’s textile industry and serves as President of the Tunisian-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Turkish investments in Tunisia are helping strengthen Turkey’s export performance while creating new opportunities for regional expansion.
Tunisia Strengthens Turkey’s Export Supply Chain
According to Yılmaz, many Turkish textile manufacturers use Tunisia as part of an integrated production model that combines Turkish raw materials with Tunisian manufacturing capabilities.Under this model, fabrics produced in Turkey are shipped to Tunisia, where they are processed and transformed into finished products before being exported to international markets.
He explained that this approach enables Turkish companies to optimize production while maintaining strong connections with customers across Europe and Africa.
“Tunisia has become a strategic production and logistics center for Turkish companies,” Yılmaz said, highlighting the country’s growing importance within regional supply chains.
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Competitive Access to European Markets
One of Tunisia’s main advantages is its close proximity to Europe, allowing manufacturers to significantly reduce transportation times compared with more distant production locations.Yılmaz noted that products can reach European destinations by sea within a relatively short period, providing an important competitive advantage for export-oriented industries.
His company currently exports textile products to several European countries, including France, Italy, and Germany, benefiting from Tunisia’s location on the Mediterranean coast.Industry analysts point out that shorter delivery times have become increasingly important for apparel brands seeking greater supply chain flexibility and faster response to changing market demand.
Gateway to Africa’s Growing Markets
Beyond Europe, Tunisia is also attracting attention as a strategic platform for accessing rapidly expanding African markets.
Yılmaz said Tunisia’s position between North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa creates opportunities for Turkish companies looking to diversify their export destinations and capitalize on growing consumer demand across the continent.
“Africa is experiencing significant economic growth and offers considerable potential for Turkish companies,” he said.As regional trade integration initiatives continue to advance, many international manufacturers are exploring opportunities to establish stronger positions within African supply chains.
Rising Turkish Investment in Tunisia
Turkish investment in Tunisia has expanded in recent years, particularly in industries focused on manufacturing, exports, and industrial production.According to Yılmaz, Turkish companies have increased their presence across sectors such as textiles, apparel, industrial manufacturing, and logistics, viewing Tunisia as a strategic location for serving multiple markets simultaneously.
He stressed that Turkish investments in Tunisia create mutual benefits by supporting local employment while strengthening Turkey’s broader production and export ecosystem.
Supporting Regional Competitiveness
Yılmaz also emphasized the need for innovative production and logistics models that can enhance regional competitiveness and respond to evolving global trade dynamics.As supply chains continue to diversify and manufacturers seek alternatives closer to major consumer markets, Tunisia’s role as a regional manufacturing hub is expected to become increasingly important.
Industry observers note that Tunisia’s combination of skilled labor, strategic location, and access to international markets positions the country as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, particularly in the textile and apparel sectors.With growing Turkish investment and increasing interest from international manufacturers, Tunisia continues to strengthen its position as a bridge connecting Europe, Africa, and the wider Mediterranean region.
