The Minister of Economy is discussing with the European Bank accelerating projects and private sector financing
Talks in Tunisia are focused on setting up cooperation programs for the upcoming five-month period without announcing new funding.
Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Abdul Hafez met with the new director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Office in Tunis, George Achlakati, on Friday 6 November 2026 in the capital Tunis. The meeting discussed the prospects for financial and technical cooperation between the two sides, ways to accelerate the implementation of funded development projects and the expansion of Tunisian private sector support and financing programmes.
The Minister of Economy and Planning stressed the importance of existing cooperation with the European Financial Institution, emphasizing Tunisia's readiness to strengthen this partnership within the priorities and specific development programmes for the coming five-year period. The Minister pointed out the need to intensify coordination between various structures and stakeholders in pursuing projects to overcome potential difficulties and accelerate coordination of completion, while diversifying the areas of intervention aimed at supporting private institutions.
The new Director of the Office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Tunisia expressed the interest of the institution in further developing the partnership over the coming period. George Akhalkatsi reaffirmed the Bank's readiness to intensify consultation with authorities to adjust future work programmes in line with national priorities, stressing the role of joint coordination in improving the implementation of ongoing projects and their field follow-up. These discussions are part of efforts to improve the follow-up of development projects and enhance the effectiveness of cooperation with international financial partners, amid a government focus on mobilizing resources directed at productive activities. The Ministry of Economy and Planning did not disclose details on additional funds or new funding, nor did it announce specific projects that were agreed to launch during the talks.