Flash-back

The story dates back to the early 1970s, when Tunisia, then a young republic, took a decisive turn by reforming its nascent economy. A series of measures and laws were introduced to stimulate investments and develop a strong industrial fabric centered around small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

 

This strategic direction aimed to make exports the cornerstone of the new economic model, with the goal of reducing the trade balance deficit and creating massive employment opportunities.

 

To achieve this, the Tunisian government introduced several mechanisms, including the notorious 1972 Investment Code, which provided a range of incentives for both national and foreign investors. At the same time, support institutions were established, notably CEPEX, founded a year later, to assist these emerging SMEs throughout their complex journey — from project conception to commercialization — and to guide them in their international expansion efforts.

A prolific journey
Launch Phase
1973-1982
Consolidation
1983-1992
Development
1993-2002
Transition
2003-2012
Scale-up
2013-2024
The Builders

16 Chief Executive Officers and General Managers have had the opportunity to lead CEPEX since its creation in 1973.

First Chairman of the Board of Directors of CEPEX 

Habib Bourguiba Junior
16 CEOs and Managing Directors
Cepex
Mustapha kanoun
1973-1974
Cepex
Ahmed Bouziri
1974-1978
Cepex
Azouz Neifar
1978-1981
Cepex
Med Nejib Ben Miled
1981-1984
Cepex
Houcine Bouzid
1984-1988
Cepex
Kamel Ben Kehia
1988-1992
Cepex
Habib Daldoul
1992-1996
Cepex
Hmidane Ben Otheman
1996-1998
Cepex
Hedi Ben Romedhan
1998-2003
Cepex
Farid Tounsi
2003-2007
Cepex
Youssef Neji
2007-2009 / 2019-2020
Cepex
Abellatif Hamam
2009-2015
Cepex
Aziza Htira
2015-2017
Cepex
Lassad Laabidi
2018-2019
Cepex
Chiheb Ben Ahmed
2020-2021
Cepex
Mourad Ben Hassine
Depuis 2022
CEPEX HEADQUARTERS
Four locations have housed CEPEX since its creation in 1973:

1973-1980

Germany Street, Tunis

1980-1989

Medenine Street, Tunis

1989-2004

Ghandi Street, Tunis

Since 2024 :

 Maison de l’Exportateur, Centre Urbain Nord, Tunis

Cepex

Winner of the Grand Communication Award "Pros d'Or 2018" / "Publishing" category for the book "Made in Tunisia".

Cepex

Best Public Institution in Tunisia in terms of services offered to SMEs (2016).

Cepex

Export Management Award, presented during the "Awards of the Builders of the African Economy" event in Abidjan (2016).

Cepex

Silver Medal for Best Pavilion at the "Yeosu 2012" International Expo in South Korea.

Cepex

Islamic Solidarity Award for the year 2011, awarded by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).