Italian group GMI eyes expanded investments in Tunisia's shoe sector

The Italian group GMI is looking to boost its investments in Tunisia, focusing on the shoe manufacturing sector. This intention was revealed during a meeting with Samir Majoul, president of the Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts (UTICA). The meeting, part of ongoing economic discussions between Tunisia and Italy, aimed to explore GMI's growth prospects in Tunisia and ways to strengthen its industrial presence. GMI's delegation, led by CEO Alberto Zunino, highlighted Tunisia's appeal as a manufacturing hub due to its proximity to Europe, cost competitiveness, and skilled labor in textiles and footwear. Discussions centered on operational needs for expansion, including the availability of qualified personnel and tailored training programs. UTICA's president, Samir Majoul, pledged the organization's support for foreign investment projects through targeted training initiatives at production sites. He emphasized that human capital is crucial for Tunisia's industrial competitiveness and attracting international investors, aiming to integrate Tunisia into European value chains. Italy is a significant economic partner for Tunisia, with bilateral trade reaching 6.5 billion euros in 2025. Over 1,000 Italian companies operate in Tunisia, creating more than 85,000 jobs. The textile and footwear sector is a cornerstone of this partnership, with Tunisia serving as a key production base for Italian firms, benefiting from a structured value chain and producing primarily for the European market.

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Tunisia's strategic interest as a manufacturing production platform, particularly thanks to its geographical proximity to Europe, the competitiveness of its costs, and the qualification of its workforce in the textile and footwear trades.