Tunisia: Investing

FDI in Figures

For the last few years, foreign direct investments in Tunisia have evolved considerably. They currently represent 10% of productive investments, generate one third of the exports and 15% of the total number of jobs. The decline in FDI in 2009 (fall of 34.5%) seems to have been only temporary, as in the first half of 2010 the country grew by 8.9% over the previous year, with 446 million euros.

Recent events, namely the political revolution that erupted in the country at the beginning of 2011, led to a decline in Foreign Direct Investment. But this situation should not continue and the investment environment should quickly improve, notably through the launch of new infrastructure projects within the country.

The main investment sectors are textile, computer science, corporate services, energy and tourism. The sectorial distribution today shows a definite orientation towards industrialization.

Why You Should Choose to Invest in Tunisia

Strong Points

The country's credit-worthiness guarantees its access to international capital markets. The growing diversification of the economy reinforces its resistance to economic crises. Tunisia enjoys a strategic location on the Mediterranean. Tunis is on average, at a 2 hour flight from the major European capitals. A well developed social system and an ambitious education policy aim to reduce the social cost of adjustment and to reinforce the modernization of the country. Tunisia has a qualified, productive workforce at competitive salary levels.
In addition, the 2007 Finance Law, together with measures in favor of technological innovation and economic competitiveness, provide a very favorable environment for SMEs. Two tools were created at the end of 2006 in order to facilitate the emergence of new companies, the Bank of financing Small and Medium Enterprises (BFPME) to finance innovative projects, and the Tunisian Guarantee Company (SOTUGAR) to reassure backers and guarantee the profitability of projects.

Weak Points

Bureaucracy.

Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDI

Over the last few decades, Tunisia has chosen to liberalize its economy even more and to integrate it in the world economy. The list of measures established by the government to encourage FDI is available on the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) website.

Bilateral Investment Conventions Signed By Tunisia

Tunisia is a signatory to agreements on guaranteeing and protecting investments with several countries.

Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Freedom of Establishment

Yes

Acquisition of Holdings

Possible but you must obtain a business card from the Foreign Trade Services.

Competent Organization For the Declaration

Agency for the promotion of foreign investment

Requests For Specific Authorizations

The agency for the promotion of foreign investment in the country gives information about the authorizations necessary for setting up business.

Investment Opportunities

Investment Aid Agency

Agency for the Promotion of Investment
The Tunisian Export Exchange

Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement

Tenders Info, Tenders in Tunisia
Globaltenders, Tenders & Projects in Tunisia
Prime Ministry, Public Procurement Site of Tunisia
DgMarket, Tenders Worldwide

Other Useful Resources

Economic Developments and Prospects in Tunisia - African Economic Outlook

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