Switzerland has officially launched a new cooperation program in Tunisia aimed at bolstering the North African country’s social stability and sustainable economic growth. The initiative was unveiled during a press conference held in the Tunisian capital, attended by representatives from various Tunisian governmental institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners.
This program is part of Switzerland's broader strategy to enhance economic support and ensure social stability in Tunisia. It emphasizes reforms related to inclusive economic development, good governance, and the management of participatory migration. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (DDC), the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) are jointly funding the initiative.
During the press conference, it was highlighted that the program takes a comprehensive approach aimed at local integration and encourages community participation. This approach is designed to adhere to humanitarian principles and promote gender equality, ensuring that various sectors, including sustainable environmental transition, professional development, and social justice, particularly in marginalized regions, are addressed.
Among the key goals of this initiative is to increase the number of supported participants and assess the progress made in implementing the program on the ground. The launch of this program follows the fourteenth annual meeting of the Swiss-Tunisian cooperation steering committee, underscoring the commitment of both nations to work collaboratively towards shared objectives.
In a related context, the Swiss government has also secured a preferential treatment status from the United States, as announced by Swiss Confederation President Karin Keller-Sutter. This development places Switzerland among a select group of 15 countries that will benefit from reduced customs duties as part of negotiations initiated under the Trump administration.
Keller-Sutter confirmed that Washington has agreed to freeze customs duties at 10% for the duration of the negotiations, providing a temporary reprieve from an impending increase that could have reached up to 31%. This decision came after urgent talks between Keller-Sutter and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, following concerns in Bern about the potential impact of higher tariffs on Swiss imports.
"It is positive that Switzerland is among the few countries that received this preferential treatment," Keller-Sutter stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with the U.S. government. The negotiations are expected to extend as long as discussions continue, with no fixed timeline established.
This shift in U.S. trade strategy reflects a more flexible approach towards countries willing to engage in direct economic dialogue, signaling a potential thaw in relations that could benefit Swiss businesses and the economy at large.
On another front, Africa has gained a significant voice in the global economic dialogue with the recent expansion of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) to include a representative from the continent. Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan announced this historic development during a meeting in Washington, highlighting the importance of Africa’s inclusion in discussions that shape international monetary cooperation.
The IMFC will now consist of 25 members, enhancing the representation of African nations in global economic discussions. Al-Jadaan noted that this inclusion is crucial for addressing issues related to trade expansion, economic growth, and the mitigation of policies that could hinder global prosperity.
"This is a historic event that strengthens Africa's voice in global economic dialogue," Al-Jadaan remarked, stressing the need for the IMFC to focus on supporting international monetary cooperation and promoting effective lending practices. He also emphasized the importance of addressing the vulnerabilities faced by low-income countries, particularly those with high debt levels.
During the discussions, committee members welcomed initial steps to enhance the effectiveness of the IMF's core functions, including monitoring global economic trends and providing assistance to member countries in building their economic capacities. Al-Jadaan expressed optimism about the potential for positive developments in the wake of ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China, which have raised concerns across the global economy.
As the world grapples with the implications of these trade wars, Al-Jadaan pointed out that the current situation is unsustainable for all parties involved. "The United States and China know that this situation cannot continue," he stated, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and cooperation to avoid further economic disruptions.
In summary, Switzerland’s new cooperation program in Tunisia, the preferential treatment from the U.S., and Africa’s enhanced representation in the IMFC all signal significant developments in international relations and economic cooperation. These initiatives reflect a commitment to fostering stability, growth, and collaboration across borders, with the potential to create lasting positive impacts for the nations involved.
