The internationalisation of Tunisian companies through the implementation of support measures is the first lever for economic growth, especially in this difficult situation faced by the country, said Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Saied.
The minister was speaking at a conference held by the Tunisia Africa Business Council (TABC) on Saturday.
«Faced with a shrinking local market, the government’s vision is now focused on boosting Tunisia’s exports, to ensure a return of economic growth.»
Tunisia needs to increase its exports to the European market, it’s leading partner (75% of bilateral trade) and to the African market, Saied stressed. He recalled that Tunisia’s exports to the African market represent only 10% of the country’s total exports, of which 2.6% are destined for the sub-Saharan African region.
To boost exports to Africa, the government intends, in the short-term, to put in place, incentives for Tunisian companies to encourage them to invest in Africa, particularly in promising sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, construction, education, health and ICT.
These short-term mechanisms concern economic diplomacy, air transport, certifications and accreditations, as well as reviewing certain legal texts, particularly the law on exchange operations. They also include streamlining procedures for investors and means of financing, which remain insufficient amid a modest presence of Tunisian banks in Africa.
These mechanisms should be accompanied by structural reforms that aim to put in place a digitalised civil service, a better orientation of the subsidy, and a fair taxation, the minister indicated, noting that the government is currently assessing the 2016/2020 development plan.
On reviewing the exchange code, the minister said a study by the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is underway to improve the measures of the exchange code.
Saied emphasised the need to embark on the path of healthy growth, especially since all the traditional tools for recovery are no longer available today.
Tunisia saw a recovery of growth to 2.9%. The government projects a 2.6% growth rate in 2022, the Minister recalled.
During the conference, speakers stressed the importance of strengthening Tunisian economic diplomacy in Africa, promoting innovative regulation, establishing a development approach based on a private sector oriented towards internationalisation.
They also urged laying down a clear strategy based on appropriate institutional support.
Source: Tap News Agency