Tunis: Over 800 participants, including Tunisian and foreign investors representing thirty countries, are expected at the 21st Tunisia Investment Forum (TIF), set for June 12 and 13 in Tunis under the theme 'Tunisia, where sustainability meets opportunity.' Organised at the initiative of the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA-Tunisia) and in partnership with the European Union Delegation in Tunisia, this 21st edition will offer an opportunity to outline the reforms implemented and in preparation by the government to reboot the economy, re-launch investment and improve the business climate as part of the national reform programme, says FIPA in a press release. This major international event will be an opportunity to spotlight Tunisia's competitive advantages as a destination and strategic platform for investment and win-win partnerships, notably in growth sectors with high added value, the agency added. It will also present the opportunities available, particularly in the fields of the green economy, renewable energy, the pharmaceutical industry, automotive components and innovation. The Forum will be opened by Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani and senior representatives of European institutions, in the presence of government members, Tunisian and foreign businessmen and women and economic players. The Forum will also be attended by representatives of regional and international financial institutions, experts from the world of business, investment and banking, sectoral professional structures, as well as representatives of the private sector, relevant ministries and public structures. Financing agreements in prospect A number of financing agreements will be signed on the sidelines of the forum, including one for the education sector between the Minister of Education and the Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB). Another financing agreement to support small and medium-sized enterprises will also be concluded. This is a joint financing agreement between the EIB, the French Development Agency (AFD), the German Bank for Development and Reconstruction (KFW) and the European Union. The Ministry of the Economy will also sign an agreement with the EIB on the 'Economic Development Corridor in Tunisia' project connecting the governorates of Sfax, Kasserine and Sidi Bouzid. In the agricultural sector, the authorities will conclude an agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB). According to FIPA, the first day of the Forum will feature the presentation of the TIF 2024 Awards to foreign investors for their outstanding efforts in supporting Tunisia's economic growth and development, and the launch of the Team Europe Investment Initiative aimed at encouraging public and private investment in Tunisia. The second day of the Forum will be devoted to the prospects for foreign direct investment in relation to the requirements of sustainable development. Chaired by the Minister for the Economy, the first session will address the theme of reviving the economy and encouraging foreign investment, while hi ghlighting the various incentives and development programmes that have been undertaken to this end. Sustainability as a key to competitiveness in Tunisia will be the theme of the second session, which will be divided into two parts: the first, chaired by the Minister of the Environment, will discuss new investment opportunities promoting sustainable development and clean, green supply chains. The second part will be chaired by the Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, with the participation of senior EU representatives. It will focus on the close collaboration between Tunisia and the European Union in the energy transition by presenting flagship projects such as 'ELMED.' The session will close with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on energy between Tunisia and the EU. The second day of the forum will continue with four parallel sessions on automotive components, the pharmaceutical industry, renewable energy and start-ups/diasporas, as well as B2B meetings between local investors and their fo reign counterparts to discuss partnership opportunities. A third and final plenary session will round off the event, presenting the European Union's 'Global Gateway' strategy and the associated financial tools of the 2021-2027 'Global Europe' multiannual financial framework, and showing how these instruments are helping harness investment and boost the economy towards more sustainable growth. In 2023, foreign investment in Tunisia reached TND 2,522.3 million, up 13.5% compared with 2022, according to FIPA figures. "This year's special edition, themed "EU-Tunisia Business Forum," stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between Tunisia and the European Union. It represents a significant milestone in our shared commitment to fostering increased investment and collaboration, not only within the framework of the EU-Tunisia partnership but also in expanding Tunisia's investment horizons on a global scale," according to the website of the Delegation of the European Union to Tunisia. Source: Agence Tun is Afrique Presse