Participating in international trade shows represents a significant investment for Tunisian companies seeking to develop their exports. Exhibition stand, transport, logistics, team accommodation, registration fees — the total can quickly exceed the financial capacity of Tunisian SMEs wishing to launch an international exhibition strategy.
This is why FOPRODEX exists. The Export Promotion Fund is Tunisia's main public support mechanism for exporting companies, and participation in international trade fairs is one of the activities it supports.
Important disclaimer: The categories of eligible expenses, coverage rates, and eligibility conditions for FOPRODEX are updated regularly by ministerial decree. The information in this guide reflects the general operation of the mechanism but does not replace the official conditions currently in force. Always consult the e-CEPEX portal (e-cepex.tn) or contact CEPEX directly before compiling your application to obtain the precise conditions applicable to your situation and the relevant period.
What is FOPRODEX?
FOPRODEX, the Fonds de Promotion des Exportations (Export Promotion Fund), is a financing mechanism administered by CEPEX (Centre de Promotion des Exportations) under the supervision of the Tunisian Ministry of Commerce.
FOPRODEX is an active and growing mechanism. According to data published by CEPEX in January 2025, the fund granted subsidies worth 57.4 million dinars to 545 companies in 2024, compared to 51.6 million dinars to 532 companies in 2023. A total of 3,110 files were processed in 2024, compared to 2,432 in 2023, an increase of 27.9%. The year 2024 was also marked by a significant reduction in file processing times, which now do not exceed 6 days.
These figures reflect a mechanism that is working, growing, and accessible to an increasing number of Tunisian exporting companies.
Activities Supported by FOPRODEX
Participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions is one of the most important categories of export promotion activity supported by FOPRODEX. In 2024, CEPEX carried out 73 promotional activities including Tunisian participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, business missions, commercial days, prospecting missions abroad, and buyer visits to Tunisia.
The exact nature of eligible expenses, applicable ceilings, and coverage rates must be verified directly with CEPEX for each project, as these parameters are defined by decree and may change. For files submitted from 1 November 2024, the e-CEPEX portal specifies that FOPRODEX covers in particular maritime, air, road, and multimodal transport of agricultural, agri-food, and artisanal products.
To know the precise conditions applicable to your sector and the type of show you are targeting, contact CEPEX directly or consult e-cepex.tn.
How the FOPRODEX Process Works
FOPRODEX operates on a reimbursement basis after expenses are incurred — the company advances the costs and recovers the fund's contribution after justifying expenses and having the file processed by CEPEX.
Step 1: Check your company's eligibility
Contact CEPEX or access the e-CEPEX portal to verify your eligibility and obtain the conditions in force for the current year.
Step 2: Identify the target show and validate its eligibility
Check with CEPEX that the international show you are targeting is eligible for FOPRODEX. For shows organised under official Tunisian national pavilions coordinated by CEPEX, the process is simplified.
Step 3: Submit your preliminary application
Before incurring expenses, submit a preliminary application to CEPEX via the e-CEPEX portal or in person. Do not start signing stand contracts or paying registration fees before obtaining eligibility confirmation from CEPEX. Expenses incurred before file validation may not be reimbursable.
Step 4: Participate and compile supporting documents
After your participation in the show, compile a complete file of supporting documents including invoices for all eligible expenses, signed contracts with service providers, proof of participation, and any other documents required by CEPEX.
Step 5: Submit your reimbursement file
Submit the complete file to CEPEX via the e-CEPEX portal. In 2024, FOPRODEX file processing time was reduced to less than 6 days according to official CEPEX data.
CEPEX Collective Programmes
One of the most accessible ways to benefit from FOPRODEX support for international trade shows is to participate in collective programmes organised directly by CEPEX. These programmes group several Tunisian companies under an official national pavilion and considerably simplify individual procedures.
In 2024, CEPEX organised 34 participations in international events under its national promotional activities programme. The most frequent destinations for Tunisian exporters in these collective programmes include agri-food shows in France such as SIAL Paris, cosmetics shows such as in-cosmetics Paris, and technology events such as GITEX Africa Marrakech.
EFFECT Global delivered the Tunisia National Pavilion at GITEX Africa 2026 in Marrakech for CEPEX, illustrating the scale of these collective participations and the quality level expected to represent Tunisia at such events.
To know the CEPEX collective participation programme for the current year, consult e-cepex.tn or contact CEPEX directly.
How EFFECT Global Supports Your International Trade Show Project
Complete and documented quotes
EFFECT Global produces its quotes and invoices with all services detailed line by line: design, fabrication, transport, installation, dismantling. This level of detail corresponds to the documentary requirements generally expected for stand expense justification.
Experience with internationally targeted shows
EFFECT Global has delivered stands at Gulfood Dubai, Arab Health at DWTC, Hannover Messe in Germany, shows in France, and GITEX Africa Marrakech including the Tunisia National Pavilion for CEPEX in 2026.
Integrated logistics management from Tunisia
All EFFECT Global international projects start from our Tunisian production facility. We manage the complete logistics chain including ATA Carnet documentation for temporary importation, transport to the international venue, on-site installation, and post-show dismantling. This integrated management concentrates all logistics and stand expenses with a single service provider.
Permanent presence in Tunisia
EFFECT Global is based in Tunis. Our Tunisian team is available for in-person meetings and direct project follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions about FOPRODEX
Does FOPRODEX apply to trade shows in Tunisia?
No. FOPRODEX is specifically designed to finance export promotion activities — participations in trade fairs and exhibitions abroad. Shows held in Tunisia are not eligible.
Can FOPRODEX be used for a show not coordinated by CEPEX?
Potentially yes, subject to current conditions. Verify directly with CEPEX before incurring expenses.
What is the reimbursement timeline?
According to CEPEX official data for 2024, FOPRODEX file processing time does not exceed 6 days. A complete and well-documented file is processed faster than an incomplete one.
Can FOPRODEX be used multiple times?
Yes. FOPRODEX can support multiple participations in international trade shows for the same company within the limits defined by the fund's regulations.
Where can I find the precise FOPRODEX conditions?
Official and up-to-date FOPRODEX conditions are available on the e-CEPEX portal at e-cepex.tn. You can also contact CEPEX at Centre Urbain Nord, Tunis 1080, telephone: +216 71 130 320.
The Next Step: Your Stand at the Next International Trade Show
FOPRODEX represents a concrete opportunity for Tunisian companies to reduce the cost of their international trade show investment. Used correctly and following the preliminary steps required by CEPEX, it improves the profitability of each export participation.
Contact EFFECT Global to discuss your next international trade show project from Tunisia. Our team will respond with a detailed proposal within 24 hours.
