The "Insadder" project, a European export aid instrument launched by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), has helped almost 120 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to export for the first time and to capture new markets. Financed by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, to the tune of pound 7.2 million (nearly 33 million dinars), this project helps SMEs to improve their export capabilities, by providing them with advice from export experts and specialists. Speaking at the opening of an information day held in Tunis on Thursday, Lamia Abroug, Chief of Staff of the Minister for Trade and Export Development, said this instrument was designed to help SMEs exporting for the first time, or those in the start-up phase who wanted to strengthen their position on export markets. She emphasised the importance of the support instruments and programmes available to SMEs to help them, particularly in promising export markets. She added that this programme was p art of the State's export development policy, implemented in cooperation with its partners, with a different vision and objectives aimed at supporting SMEs in their export experience and positioning in the various new markets. For his part, Jad Zgheib, Director of SME Support at the EBRD, pointed out that this project dates from 2021 and will run for three years until 2025. SMEs have benefited under this project from specialised training sessions provided by specialists in the export field, he added. The programme aims to reach as many Tunisian companies as possible and help them export to foreign markets, so that they can improve their turnover. Marco Stella, head of the economic development section at the European Union delegation in Tunisia, said the "Insadder" project had a number of focuses, particularly on facilitating the migration of Tunisian SMEs towards the green and blue economy and the digital transition, as well as helping companies to access sources of finance through financial subsidies prov ided by this project, which should help them to develop their export activities. He explained that the project was also part of a wider process launched by the European Union in cooperation with the Tunisian Ministry of Trade and Export Development through the Tunisian Industry 4.0 development project, the development of start-ups and the establishment of a 100,000 dinars subsidy fund to support scientific research and innovation. With regard to the specialities of the micro-enterprises that have benefited from the "Insadder" project, the European official stressed that they are mainly active in the services sector and in the marketing of products. He, however, affirmed that there was no particular sector targeted, the objective being to help SMEs to support exports and conquer new markets. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse