UPU News : First Easy-Export one-stop-shop launched in Tunisia

21.01.2019 - Power of the Post shown in new UPU/Tunisian government project streamlining export processes for small businesses across Tunisia

Berne, 21 January. Director General of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Bishar A. Hussein today attended the launch in the Tunisian city of Kairouan of the pilot site for Easy-Export Tunisia and the inauguration of the Easy Export one-stop shop.

Mr. Hussein said in his keynote speech, “As the UPU Director General, I am proud to tell you that the UPU will work with Tunisia to ensure the continued relevance of the postal network supporting accessible and inclusive services for the world.”

He described the Easy Export project between UPU and Tunisian ministries dealing with small businesses as a symbol of collective commitment and recognition of the deep sense of partnership existing among the parties.

Easy Export offers Tunisian small businesses, including craftsman, a channel to the postal service to export their products and increase the prosperity of their villages and cities. With its widespread geographic reach and three dimensional network of physical, financial and electronic services, the postal sector can help provide greater access to international trade.

The project is closely connected to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, especially Sustainable Development Goal 8 on policies supporting job creation and doubling exports from developing countries.

“UPU’s own commitment to help generate creativity and innovation across postal operations, should assist countries to increase inclusion, lift people out of poverty and deliver life-changing opportunities, as anticipated in the 2030 Development Agenda.  This is the power of a strong Post,” said Mr. Hussein.

Other participants at the high-level event included Tunisian Minister of Commerce Mr. Omar Behi, Tunisian Minister of Transport Mr. Radhouane Ayara, Tunisian Minister of Communication Technologies and Digital Economy Mr. Mohamed Anouar Maarouf, CEO of the Tunisian Post Mr. Jawher Ferjaoui, representatives of the National Commission for Easy Export with its President Mr. Sami Ghazali.

UPU’s Easy Export project has its origins in the Brazilian "Exporta Fácil" programme. Between 2002 and 2008, Exporta Fácil enabled over 10,000 small businesses in Brazil, which had never previously exported their products, to access international markets.