As part of the implementation of its strategic orientations aimed to ensure strategic reserves of essential goods, developing the storage and distribution system, and modernizing market intervention mechanisms, the Tunisian Trade Office took the initiative to organize, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, a national forum bringing together the managers of its storage and distribution centers and the regional trade directors.

The event, held at the headquarters of the Export Promotion Centre, took place under the chairmanship of the Minister of Trade and Export Development, Mr. Samir Abid, in the presence of the ministry's directors-general and the senior executives of the Tunisian Trade Office and the heads of affiliated structures.

This meeting, initiated by the the Tunisian Trade Office, is part of efforts to strengthen coordination among the various stakeholders, improve the sharing of information, statistics, and field data, and consolidate a common vision of strategic priorities and work objectives while taking into account the specificities of each structure.

On this occasion, the Minister of Trade and Export Development emphasized the social and economic role of the Tunisian Trade Office in implementing the State's policy aimed at preserving citizens' purchasing power the the Tunisian industrial ecosystem,  the artisanal ecosystem and ensuring the regular supply of essential products to the national market.

He recalled the position previously and really held by the Office when it was among the leading public actors in the financial and commercial fields, as well as one of the country's leading exporters.

The Minister also stressed the importance on the continuity of the Office's prominence and strengthening its position as a public institution, noting that the Office succeeded in overcoming several difficulties and challenges while maintaining a stable supply rate without significant pressure on the supply of essential products.

He indicated that the current phase requires a radical change in the operating methods of the Office's storage and distribution centers, as well as a qualitative shift in work methods and market indicator analysis mechanisms.

He emphasized that the role of these structures should not be limited to traditional tasks, but that they should become a genuine driving force for proposals, contributing to the development of their performance, the modernization of the storage and distribution system, and the strengthening of governance in the management of essential product stocks, thereby improving the efficiency of interventions and overall performance.

The Minister also called on center managers to listen to the Tunisian Trade Office 's clients, take their concerns into consideration, strengthen support provided to them, and improve the quality of services delivered. Furthermore, he reviewed the level of coordination between regional directors and the managers of storage and distribution centers, as well as the mechanisms for developing information exchange between both parties.

This forum provided an important opportunity to assess current experiences and explore future prospects in a context marked by rapid economic and geopolitical transformations.

Main strategic priorities and orientations

During the discussions, emphasis was placed on the importance of strengthening cooperation at two levels:

1. Horizontal cooperation:

• Strengthening partnerships with the various market operators.
• Enhancing coordination with the services of the Ministry of Trade and Export Development, as well as regional and local authorities.
• Developing the digitalization of the Tunisian Trade Office 's professional and commercial relations as a key public actor.

2. Vertical cooperation:

• Strengthening coordination between the Tunisian Trade Office 's various structures and top management.
• Supporting the role of regional structures as a source of proposals and foresight based on field realities.
• Unifying the vision around strategic objectives and clearly defining roles and responsibilities in order to avoid overlaps in missions.

Achievements and accomplishments of the Office

Participants highlighted the successes achieved by the Tunisian Trade Office thanks to its accumulated expertise and its ability to anticipate crises and geopolitical fluctuations, enabling it to:

• Achieve significant foreign currency savings during procurement operations on international markets.
• Ensure the supply of essential products to the national market under the best possible conditions.
• Maintain continuity of supply despite international challenges.

Ongoing projects

As part of the implementation of its new strategic orientations, the Tunisian Trade Office is working to:

• Strengthen its storage network through the establishment of a new storage center in Degache, in the Governorate of Tozeur.
• Gradually develop its own sugar and rice packaging capacities across its main sites.
• Launch a project to install photovoltaic systems across all Office sites.
• Continue the digitalization of the logistics chain through:
  • The development of real-time stock monitoring applications.
  • The use of artificial intelligence technologies to improve stock management.
  • The implementation of a management and monitoring system based on key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • The generalization of monitoring across the entire distribution chain, from importation to the final consumer.

Governance and sound management

Participants stressed the importance of:

• Strengthening governance within storage centers.
• Establishing a culture of self-monitoring.
• Strictly complying with procedures and professional standards.
• Adopting performance indicators as a permanent tool for evaluation and decision-making.

Future strategic orientations

the next phase would focus on the resume of following  strategic priorities:

• Strengthening the ensure the strategic stock of essential goods.
• Restoring the Office's financial balance and reducing the deficit.
• Establishing sustainable and effective governance.
• Developing the centralized purchasing system.
• Restructuring and streamlining the investment portfolio.
• Improving the territorial coverage of the Office's products across all regions.
• Developing the national commercial and industrial fabric by positioning the Office as a driving force for development.
• Strengthening relationships with clients and economic partners.

The main forum recommandations

• Further strengthen coordination between the central administration and regional structures.
• Accelerate digitalization and artificial intelligence projects in the logistics field.
• Increase investment in storage and distribution infrastructure.
• Develop governance and internal control systems.
• Expand the geographical coverage of the Tunisian Trade Office 's services and products.
• Intensify partnerships with various public and private stakeholders.

Through this initiative, the Tunisian Trade Office reaffirms its commitment to continuing the development of its performance, strengthening its role as a strategic public actor serving the national economy, and contributing to the achievement the ensure of the strategic stock of essential goods.