Bilateral relations between Italy and Tunisia date back to the 1980s. Over time and with the evolving global context, the two countries have successfully expanded their exchanges in various fields. They now aim to extend this cooperation to the fourth industrial revolution.
On Monday, May 27, Italy and Tunisia declared their commitment to intensifying collaboration in the digital realm. This new phase emphasizes the promotion of economic and industrial collaboration initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transition research. A memorandum of intent was inked by Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (Mimit), and Nizar Ben Néji, Tunisia’s Minister of Communication Technologies.
According to the Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies, this announcement mirrors a mutual aspiration to bolster economic and industrial cooperation initiatives, boost investments, and foster joint ventures between Tunisian and Italian firms via business forums, seminars, and workshops. These events are organized with the participation of governmental institutions and the backing of associations and organizations representing entrepreneurs.
The ministry further explained that this new phase stems from a mutual interest in fostering bilateral cooperation for technology transfer. This is achieved through the exchange of experiences and knowledge in research, innovation, and skill development. The shared goal is to facilitate and implement projects in the public, private, and joint sectors, incorporating stakeholders from both nations in the context of applying AI to industry and related research sectors.
This new commitment for digital cooperation follows a previous agreement on September 29, 2023. On that day, the two nations, represented by Tunisia’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANCS) and its Italian equivalent, signed a memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity and digital trust services. This agreement aimed to intensify the exchange of experiences and expertise between the two institutions, develop specialized skills to safeguard cyberspace, ensure digital sovereignty, and enhance response speed and vigilance levels to effectively identify and address cyber risks.
Italian Minister Adolfo Urso also announced the establishment of a center dedicated to sustainable development in Tunisia, in partnership with Italy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He described the center as an opportunity to draw in expertise and investment, contributing to inclusive growth and enhancing the quality of services provided to institutions and citizens. According to Urso, this multilateral platform can serve as a catalyst for the development of AI technology and its multiple applications at both national and cross-border levels.
