Spanish textile companies would like to have their supplies from nearby Tunisia rather than from China or Bangladesh. These companies happen to be those that are active in areas like ready-to-wear, denim, lingerie, bathing suits and sportswear. To forge contacts with suppliers, they are visiting Tunisian textile and clothing factories.

The textile and clothing industry in Tunisia plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of the country as it accounts for more than 40 per cent of industrial employment. The industry provides jobs for an estimated 2,00,000 workers, 75 per cent of which are women.

Tunisia is looking to strengthen and improve its value chain and diversify its product offering. EU countries are the main customers of Tunisia for textiles with 36 per cent for France, 32 per cent in Italy, 10 per cent in Germany; followed by Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK and Spain.

Tunisia is among the top 15 garment suppliers in the world, and has the advantage of being close to the European market. It is the fifth largest supplier to the European Union as well as the leading trouser supplier to the EU. Other important products are work wear and lingerie. The main foreign investors in the apparel sector in Tunisia are France, Germany, Belgium and Italy.