Third meeting of Tunisian Advisory Group – June 2024

On June 19th, 2024, the National Advisory Group of Tunisia convened at Hotel Barcelo Concorde Les Berges du Lac for its third meeting since the official kick-off in September2023. The meeting was coordinated by Mr. Walid Gaddas, MSM Country Coordinator, and saw participation from a diverse array of representatives from governmental, academic, and the private sector.

Attendees included officials from the Ministry of Professional Training and Employment, the ANETI, and academic representatives from MSM (Netherlands), Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott Meriem (ISA-CM), LSFVAA Bouchrik, CSFSPA Chott Meriem, and the Mediterranean School of Business (MSB-SMU) from Tunisia. Private sector representatives from Hortimag Group and the Chambre de Commerce Tunisienne-Néerlandaise were also present.

The meeting commenced with a comprehensive update by Project Manager Mr. Stefano Locatelli on the project's implementation status. He provided an overview of the participant selection process, the recruitment of host companies in the Netherlands, and the efforts undertaken to secure travel documents and visas.

The core discussion of the meeting focused on the development of the return program, designed to offer continuous support to trainees after their mobility period in the Netherlands. The goal of this program is to ensure a smooth transition into the labor market, either in their home country or abroad.

Participants shared valuable insights and recommendations during the meeting. Private sector representatives expressed interest in the profiles of current trainees and offered to facilitate meetings and potential interviews upon their return. ANETI highlighted various training and opportunities available for graduates aiming to start their own businesses. Additionally, MSB-SMU shared their successful experience in establishing an incubator within the university, suggesting it could serve as a model or institutional support for the entrepreneurship track of the MOBILISE return program.

The next meeting of the National Advisory Group is anticipated to take place in Tunis or online in October, following the students’ return from the Netherlands.