Are things improving in terms of employment?

In fact, with the economic slowdown in Europe and elsewhere, unemployment is a real challenge we are facing after the revolution of December-January 2011 and the establishment of the first genuine democracy in the region. The Government has introduced many economic reforms including in the fields of Public Private Partnership, banking, taxes and is hence fully committed to further consolidate our nascent democracy in order to achieve the aspirations of the Tunisian people towards greater progress and prosperity. However, Tunisia needs the political and economic support of its friends, such as India, to put the economy back on track and to protect the successful Tunisian model, which remains a work in progress.

What are the key areas of investment for Indian companies in Tunisia?

There are many key areas for Indian investment including fertilizers, automobile, steel, IT, pharmaceuticals and tourism. I have to admit that much of our trade has been with Europe, however the new leadership in Tunisia is committed to diversify its commercial ties and sources of investment particularly with the new emerging economies and believes that India is the place where Tunisia should diversify, work closer and establish stronger economic ties. I’m confident that Tunisian companies can make a difference for their Indian counterparts targeting a market of more than 800 million people. Tunisia’s location at the heart of the Mediterranean just few hours from all European capitals makes it a natural hub for trade and investment. In addition Tunisia was among the first countries to conclude a Free Trade Agreement with Europe and has similar agreements with many Arab and African countries. In the field of IT in particular, Indian companies are encouraged to invest in Tunisia or engage in partnerships with their Tunisian counterparts and export easily their services to Europe and Africa.

Is Tourism between the countries on the rise?

Tunisia, a country of less than 11 millions, is one of the major Tourist destinations in our region welcoming an average of 6 million tourists every year, but very few among them are Indians. We are encouraging Indians to visit Tunisia as there is so much to see there. In fact, Tunisia offers diverse landscapes peppered with 40.000 historical sites. This reflects, in fact, the cultural richness of dozens of civilizations that have inhabited its lands throughout history over a period of more than 3000 years, from entire ancient settlements to shrines, amphitheatres, bathing houses, churches and cenotaphs. The most famous sites include: Carthage Roman theatre, Carthage Punic Ports, El Djem Amphitheatre, Bardo Museum-which displays the world largest and best preserved collection of roman mosaics-, Dougga, Sbeitla, the island of Djerba, Ichkeul National Park and the capital Tunis with its UNESCO listed medina which is easily explored on foot and has 700 monuments including madrasas, palaces, grand residential quarters, crypts, mosques and fountains that testify to its remarkable past.