Tunisia assumes leadership of the Union of Arab Financial Market Authorities
via Business News5 min read
Tunisia officially took over the presidency of the Union of Arab Financial Market Authorities for the 2026-2027 term on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Hatem Smiri, president of the Financial Market Council, will lead the Union. This appointment followed the Union's 20th annual congress, held remotely with representatives from 16 regulatory authorities across the Arab world, including Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, and Gulf countries. Smiri stated that this presidency reflects confidence in Tunisia's financial market and its advanced regional position, acknowledging reforms in supervision and market transparency. The Tunisian delegation highlighted recent regulatory developments in financial control and anti-money laundering efforts. Priorities for the upcoming period include strengthening on-site control, monitoring infractions, and tightening the repressive framework to enhance transparency, restore investor confidence, and boost the Tunisian market's attractiveness for both local and foreign capital. The meeting also addressed strategic issues for Arab markets, such as the 2026-2030 strategic plan to accelerate the integration of Arab capital markets and improve their capacity to finance regional economies. Discussions also covered cross-border financial activities, capital flow management, cybersecurity, and financial technologies. The Union approved a regional self-learning platform for continuous training to strengthen sector skills and support digital transformation, esp
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Must ReadFormer Member of Parliament Majdi Karbai warned on Saturday, June 6, 2026, about the implications of new European migration policies, suggesting that Tunisian nationals will continue to be targets for return and expulsion procedures by several European Union member states. In a Facebook post, the former parliamentarian stated that new European migration policies and legislative projects, particularly those from the Italian government, anticipate a significant reinforcement of border control mechanisms and readmission procedures. Karbai indicated that these measures might no longer exclusively target individual migrants but could also affect minors and families, especially from countries deemed "safe" by several European states, such as Tunisia. He highlighted that new rules being discussed in Europe include stricter reception conditions in arrival zones, mentioning the possibility of detention periods up to twenty-four months in some border centers before expulsion. Karbai believes the idea that arriving on European soil automatically leads to regularization or permanent settlement no longer reflects current migration policies. He also noted that a segment of European public opinion supports more restrictive immigration policies and that several governments are now committed to strengthening controls while further limiting stay options for irregular migrants. This statement follows an earlier post where Karbai revealed the Italian Parliament's approval of a new Guardia di Fin
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Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, the Minister of Agriculture, chaired a working meeting on Friday, June 5, 2026, focusing on the governorates of Sousse and Monastir. He highlighted the shared agricultural, economic, and tourism specificities of the two regions, particularly emphasizing the olive sector as a cornerstone of their agricultural activity. The Minister stressed the importance of preserving and developing this national asset and protecting olive groves from various risks. Ben Cheikh also called for prioritizing the maintenance of hydraulic infrastructure to ensure full operationality and guarantee a regular supply of drinking water for residents during the summer of 2026, especially given the high tourist activity in Sousse and Monastir. He further insisted on accelerating the completion of the seawater desalination plant project in Sousse, deeming it strategically important for strengthening the region's water resources and consolidating its water security amidst growing water management challenges.
Must ReadThe cardiology department at Hédi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax has achieved a national first in Tunisia by implanting a leadless pacemaker Abbott Aveir. Announced on Saturday, June 6, 2026, this procedure marks a significant advancement in the treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders. This new-generation technology eliminates the need for wires or cables, which are essential components of traditional pacemakers. The innovative device also boasts a long lifespan, potentially lasting up to twenty years, and can be removed if necessary, offering greater flexibility in patient care. This implantation positions Hédi Chaker University Hospital among institutions capable of implementing the latest technologies in interventional cardiology. The Ministry of Health highlights the expertise of Tunisian medical teams and the public hospital's ability to adopt advanced international technological developments through this national premiere.