Tunisian MP Maher Ktari Announces Official Submission of Proposal to Reform Exchange Code
Tunisian Member of Parliament Maher Ktari announced on Tuesday the official submission of a proposal to reform the Exchange Code to the Bureau of the Assembly of People's Representatives, signed by 40 MPs. This initiative aims to deeply modernize the legal framework of exchange in Tunisia, in order to liberate economic initiative and attract more local and foreign investments.
Speaking on Radio Express FM on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Ktari emphasized that the project aims to facilitate exchange in foreign currencies, stimulate external trade, and promote greater financial openness of the country.
According to the MP, the text proposes a overhaul of the concept of residence for individuals and legal entities, now linked to economic activity, as well as a compliance of exchange rules with international standards and new forms of investment. "The reform project also takes into account financial and digital innovations, including digital assets, remote payment systems, and virtual currencies, in order to replace outdated texts and remove obstacles to investment," he added.
Ktari explained that the new version of the Exchange Code will allow residents to open foreign currency accounts under certain conditions and use international payment platforms like PayPal or solutions based on crypto-assets, particularly for independent workers receiving income in foreign currencies.
In the same vein, the MP recalled that the current legislative framework is still based on old texts, including Decree No. 608 of 1977, as well as several circulars from the Central Bank, creating overlaps and administrative burdens. The integration of these texts into a single legislation will contribute, according to him, to simplifying procedures and clarifying rules.
Ktari estimated that this overhaul marks a transition from a restrictive and authoritarian system to a more open and incentive model, capable of improving the business climate and strengthening Tunisia's competitiveness.
He concluded by stating that the project has broad parliamentary support and represents a key step for the national economy. "The reform of the Exchange Code is even more important than the 2026 finance bill," he declared.
