U.S. Ambassador Announces Plans to Revitalize Tunisia‑U.S. Joint Committees and Boost High‑Value Sectors
Tunis, 19 February 2026 – U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Bill Bazzi announced a series of initiatives aimed at re‑activating the Tunisia‑U.S. joint committees, supporting the aerospace and automotive component industries, and exploring new opportunities across all high‑growth sectors.
The announcement was made during a meeting with Samir Majoul, President of the Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA), at the organization’s headquarters.
Key Points of the Dialogue
| Topic | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Youth talent | Ambassador Bazzi praised the skills, dynamism and strong willingness to learn and work demonstrated by Tunisian youth. Several U.S. companies have expressed interest in investing or expanding operations in Tunisia, especially in high‑value‑added sectors. |
| Joint investment programmes | UTICA President Samir Majoul stressed the need for co‑developed investment and development programmes to create new growth opportunities and strengthen the competitiveness of strategic sectors. |
| U.S. tariff impact | The discussion covered how U.S. customs duties affect Tunisian exports – notably handicrafts, textiles, olive oil, dates, and mechanical/industrial products such as aerospace and automotive components. |
| Economic integration | Both sides aim to build an integration programme based on cooperation and investment, establishing more flexible and mutually beneficial trade relations. |
| Stakeholder participation | The dialogue included several members of UTICA’s national executive board, representatives from various economic sectors, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Tunisia. |
| Skills & training | Participants examined the state of Tunisian economic sectors, cooperation prospects in strategic industries, and professional training, highlighting the exploitation of local expertise to boost the competitiveness of Tunisian products on international markets. |
Strategic Outlook
- Re‑activation of joint committees will provide a formal platform for continuous dialogue and project monitoring.
- Support for aerospace and automotive components aligns with Tunisia’s ambition to become a regional hub for high‑tech manufacturing.
- Broader sectoral focus (handicrafts, textiles, agri‑food, etc.) ensures diversified growth and resilience against trade barriers.
- Private‑sector driven investment is expected to accelerate job creation, technology transfer, and export diversification.
“The dynamism of Tunisian youth and their eagerness to learn are key assets for both our nations,” said Ambassador Bazzi.
“Developing joint investment programmes will open new avenues for growth and reinforce the competitiveness of our strategic sectors,” added Samir Majoul.
This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the Tunisia‑U.S. economic partnership, with a particular emphasis on high‑value‑added sectors and the promotion of private and industrial investment.
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