Tunisia

Info

Official name Republic of Tunisia
Political capital Tunisi
Territory surface 163.610 km2
Population 11.49 millions
Population density 70.26 km2
Major cities Tunis, Hammamet, Tabarka, Susa, Sfax, Qayrawan
Neighboring countries Libya, Algeria
Form of Government Semi-Presidential Republic
Official religions Islam
Local currency Tunisian Dinar (TND)
Currency exchange rate 0.34 US Dollars (=1 Tunisian Dinar)
GDP 42.06 billion USD
GDP rate 1.9%
Inflation 4.95%
Unemployment 15.4%
Official languages Arabic, French (Commercial)
Political situation Tunisia has been able to managed in a controlled manner the process of democratic transition started in 2011, committing itself to ensure continuity and respect for human rights. The way for the consolidation of democratic institutions was initiated by the adoption, in January 2014, of a new Constitution, guarantor of citizens' rights and freedoms and the basis of the administrative reorganization of the country. The subsequent parliamentary and presidential elections led to the parliamentary majority of the secular party Nidaa Tounes and the inauguration of the Presidency of the Republic of Beji Caid Essebsi. A general agreement among the major political forces of the country aims to ensure a relative stability that allows Tunisia to get back on the path of economic development and adopt the necessary social reforms. There have recently been positive signs of a recovery in the economic system, severely affected by the impact of the 2015 terrorist attacks starting from the tourism sector. Since 2016, the country has been led by a national unity government chaired by Youssef Chahed, who enjoys the support of a large parliamentary majority that provides support for the ambitious reforms implemented. The Government has adopted an important law on investments and further progress is expected in matters of work and public function. In 2017, an anti-corruption campaign was launched.

Why Tunisia

Tunisia benefits from a long-lasting commercial and diplomatic relation with Italy, guaranteed by its proximity to the peninsula, which is strategically a launching platform on the Mediterranean as also a pathway for MENA’s commercial routes. The partnership enhanced the strong presence of Italian investments in the territory, thanks to the various structural reforms adopted by Tunisian Government with regard to the economic sector’s legislation. Moreover, since 1995 Tunis  does enjoy  free access to EU market, further consolidated by the 2012 promotion as “advanced partner”. As a matter of fact, high integration witnessed by Italian companies on Tunis’s soil leads ideal prerequisites for entering this market, characterized by efficiency and quality at affordable costs.

Investment opportunities in Tunisia

In September 2016 a new Investment Code was adopted (Law 2016-71 of 30.9.2016, published in Jort No. 82 of 07.10.2016) to increase the economic attractiveness of the country through the removal of administrative obstacles. According to the new legislation, access to the market is generally free except for some specific economic activities for which an authorization is mandatory.

In April 2017, the 3 implementing decrees entered into force (No. 388, 389, 390 of 9.3.2017). Tunisia is a potential "platform" for the approach to neighboring markets, thanks to the existing bilateral and multilateral agreements with the countries of the UMA (Arab Maghreb Union). The Agadir Agreement in particular, stipulated between Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan, provides for the free circulation of industrial goods among the four signatory countries starting from 1 January 2005.