SIPPO Tunisia: Strengthening BSO Advisory Capacities to Position VSS at the Core of Compliance and Export Competitiveness

Bringing Together Key Actors of the Export Ecosystem

The training gathered SIPPO Tunisia's partner BSO's:

• Tunis Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIT)
• Interprofessional Group of Canned Foods (GICA)
• Interprofessional Group of Fisheries Products (GIPP)
• Export Promotion Centre (CEPEX)
• Agency for the Promotion of Agricultural Investments (APIA)
  

  

   

In addition to BSOs, key Tunisian stakeholders from the agrifood sector also took part in the training, including the General Directorate of Agri-food Industries (Ministry of Industry) and the Technical Centre for Agri-food Industries (CTAA). Their involvement underscores the collective commitment of national actors to strengthening the integration of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) within Tunisia’s export ecosystem.  

By bringing together market actors in the textile and agrifood sector, the training fostered a collaborative environment aimed at aligning advisory services with international sustainability expectations. 

A Practical and Interactive Learning Experience

The two-day training was led by sustainability expert Shemina Amarsy from ITC. The programme combined theoretical input with hands-on exercises and was complemented by a company visit to Bullarigia, a leading Tunisian olive oil producer. The visit showcased concrete examples of commitment and best practices in adopting voluntary sustainability standards. 

In addition, participants received concrete insights into the VSS certification process from Magali Herbaut of amfori, who provided valuable perspectives on audit requirements and market expectations. 

Building-up Advisory Capabilities for Greater Impact

The ToT programme enabled more than 20 representatives from 10 Tunisian BSOs across the agrifood and textile sectors to: 

• Deepen their understanding of voluntary sustainability standards, their scope, and related audit requirements 

• Gain practical insights into certification processes and compliance mechanisms 

• Participate in interactive sessions, fostering collaboration, peer learning, and co-creation of solutions 

• Apply the ITC Standards Map tool in hands-on exercises to better support Tunisian SMEs in navigating new sustainability requirements 

• Acquire practical methodologies to guide export-oriented SMEs in developing VSS strategies tailored to their capacities and potential benefits 

Positioning Sustainability as a Driver of Export Competitiveness

The training focused on the intersection of international trade and sustainable development, equipping participants with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability standards and their role in global value chains.By strengthening VSS advisory capacities within local BSO's, the initiative contributes to positioning sustainability not only as a compliance requirement, but as a strategic driver of export competitiveness and long-term economic resilience in Tunisia. 

Building on this momentum, this enhanced ecosystem will enable Tunisian BSOs to play a more proactive role in guiding exporters toward international sustainability requirements, contributing to stronger market readiness and sustained integration into global value chains.