The International Trade Centre (ITC) has partnered with ICS, which is representing a number of European textile retailers, to strengthen competitiveness and improve resource efficiency and circular production processes in the Tunisian textile value chain. The objective is to increase SME competitiveness through improved resource efficiency (e.g. energy, water and waste) and enhanced productivity. This project component implements a value chain approach. In this way collaboration and an active dialogue between value chain actors – including both international companies and local suppliers – is facilitated to jointly implement resource efficient and circular production processes. The project is included in a larger scope of the GTEX/MENATEX program which aims at promoting textile and clothing exports from developing countries to stimulate employment and income generation along the value chain.
A sensitization workshop with the project’s stakeholders was held on April 30th. During this time, ICS had the opportunity to visit several participating factories.
At the core of the project’s component approach lies a customized coaching programme which is based on the analyses of buyer requirements and performance of local SMEs in terms of resource efficient and circular production processes. In Tunisia, coaching sessions will be held between September and December 2019. There will be 3 on-site coaching sessions per factory, complemented with an elearning course and several indepth workshops on common pressing issues of the selected SMEs.
From December 2019 onwards, SMEs will start implementing their measures as well as seeking financing opportunities with potential financiers partners.
The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to become more competitive in global markets, thus contributing to sustainable economic development as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
