On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Anne Guéguen, French ambassador to Tunisia, strengthened the strategic importance of France in the economic development of Tunisia during his visit to Kairouan.
Organized by the Tuniso-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CTFCI), this meeting enabled Anne Guéguen to highlight the advantages of Tunisia, both historically and culturally, while highlighting the commitment of French companies. The latter currently employ more than 160,000 Tunisians through 1,500 companies located throughout the territory.
The ambassador notably mentioned the emphasis on innovation, in particular in the fields of new technologies and artificial intelligence, where French companies occupy a place of pioneers in Tunisia.
This event offered the opportunity to entrepreneurs and economic actors of the two countries to exchange on various investment and collaboration projects, particularly in the high technology sector and regional development initiatives.
Kairouan, who welcomed visits to local industrial companies as well as the remote business center, was put forward as an example of the dynamics of economic development beyond major cities.
Anne Guéguen also underlined the importance of the integration of young people in the Tunisian entrepreneurial fabric. French companies, according to her, play an essential role in the vocational training of young local talents, thus contributing to the improvement of their employability.
It also expressed France’s desire to support projects aimed at strengthening local capacities and promoting skills transfer, in order to promote the professional integration of young Tunisians.
Raja Touil, director general of the CTFCI, recalled that this meeting was part of an annual program aimed at strengthening economic ties between France and Tunisia, with a particular accent on the underdeveloped regions. The priorities for 2025 include the organization of other visits to regions like Zaghouan, which, like Kairouan, are crucial to attract new foreign investments.
In short, this visit highlighted sustainable cooperation between the two countries, with France as a partner of choice to support Tunisia’s economic growth, promote local entrepreneurship and encourage technological innovation.