Tunisian‑German Economic Forum Planned for Essen in October 2026
Düsseldorf, Germany – 26 February 2026 – Mustapha Ziri, the Consul General of Tunisia in Düsseldorf, has put forward a proposal to host a Tunisian‑German Economic Forum in Essen in October 2026. The event will coincide with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Tunisia and Germany.
Key Highlights
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposal Origin | Presented during a meeting on Wednesday with Thomas Kufen, mayor of Essen. The announcement was confirmed in a press release on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad. |
| Cultural Week Continuation | The consul reaffirmed Tunisia’s commitment to the Tunisian‑German Cultural Week in Essen, emphasizing its role in deepening cooperation and partnership between the two nations. |
| 2025 Cultural Week Success | The mayor praised the support from the city of Essen for the edition held in November 2025, which showcased Tunisia’s cultural heritage, civilizational legacy, and its investment and tourism potential. |
| Mayor’s Response | Thomas Kufen welcomed the idea of hosting the Economic Forum, stating his determination to take the necessary steps to bring the project to life and expressing the city’s willingness to expand cooperation with Tunisia across multiple sectors of mutual interest. |
| Visit to Regional Economic Development Agency | Consul General Ziri visited the Regional Economic Development Agency of Essen, meeting its Director General Bodo Kalveram to strengthen ties with local authorities. |
| Agency’s Involvement | The agency has been invited to co‑organise the October 2026 Forum, an initiative that already has the municipality’s endorsement. |
| German Institution’s Commitment | Kalveram highlighted the importance his agency places on such economic events and pledged full cooperation with the Tunisian consulate to ensure the Forum’s success. |
Why the Forum Matters
- 70 Years of Diplomatic Ties – Marks a milestone that underscores the long‑standing friendship between Tunisia and Germany.
- Economic Opportunities – A platform for Tunisian and German businesses to explore investment, trade, and tourism prospects.
- Cultural Synergy – Builds on the momentum of the successful Cultural Week, reinforcing people‑to‑people connections.
- Regional Development – Positions Essen as a hub for Euro‑Mediterranean cooperation, attracting international attention and potential funding.
Next Steps
- Formal Agreement – Finalisation of a joint declaration between the Tunisian Consulate and the City of Essen.
- Program Design – Development of a detailed agenda covering sectors such as energy, technology, agri‑food, tourism, and education.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Invitation of chambers of commerce, industry associations, and academic institutions from both countries.
- Promotion Campaign – Launch of a bilingual (French/English) marketing drive to attract participants and media coverage.
For further information, please contact the Consulate of Tunisia in Düsseldorf or the Office of the Mayor of Essen.
