The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, will travel to Tunis, Tunisia, to co-chair Tunisia 2020, an international conference in support of Tunisia’s economic, social and sustainable development, to be held on November 29 and 30, 2016.

At the conference, the Tunisian government will present its 2016 to 2020 economic development plan and receive commitments from donor countries.

While in Tunisia, Minister Bibeau will also meet with local partners to discuss the Tunisian development model and possible development assistance that Canada might offer.

Quotes

“Tunisia is facing major socio-economic and security challenges. Tunisia 2020, which brings together partners from the international and business communities, is crucial to helping Tunisia build a dynamic, open democracy. We must put the rights of Tunisians at the heart of all discussion about the future of their country.”

- Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

Quick facts

• Seventy countries will take part in the conference, which will be co-chaired by Canada, France, Qatar, Tunisia, the European Investment Bank and the World Bank.
• Since the “Jasmine Revolution” of 2011, Tunisia has been determined to build a democratic state, despite remaining vulnerable and fragile because of socio-economic and security challenges, including a lack of jobs and opportunities for young people, economic underdevelopment in several regions and continued unrest in underprivileged regions.
• Tunisia has called on the international community to help it confront these challenges, which particularly affect youth and vulnerable people. Improving the economy and increasing job opportunities for youth is essential to the country’s stability and security. Economic development aid will enable Tunisia to make tangible, significant progress for its people.
• Tunisia has chosen a peaceful and democratic path, and the conference is the ideal opportunity for the international community to demonstrate its leadership by helping Tunisia secure its future.
• In 2015, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Tunisia totalled $212 million, an increase of 27.7 percent compared to 2014.