The Tunisian economy, among the most competitive economies in Africa and the Arab world, offers businesses a better environment than that in the main competitor countries.
The education level of the active population, the sound macroeconomic management and the quality of public institutions are particularly favourable to business competitiveness.
Global Competitiveness
The World Bank Report « Doing Business 2016 » which highlights the factors determining the ease of doing business, ranks Tunisia 74th out of a total of 189 countries
Tunisia ranks ahead of North African countries and even outperforms a number of developed and emerging countries.
Competitiveness by Sector
Tunisia is:
1st world exporter of dates and olive oil
7th world producer of phosphates and triple superphosphate
8th supplier of the European Union and 5th supplier of France in apparel products
Favorable FDI Destination
The education level of the active population, the sound macroeconomic management and the quality of public institutions are particularly favourable to business competitiveness.
Global Competitiveness
The World Bank Report « Doing Business 2016 » which highlights the factors determining the ease of doing business, ranks Tunisia 74th out of a total of 189 countries
Tunisia ranks ahead of North African countries and even outperforms a number of developed and emerging countries.
Competitiveness by Sector
Tunisia is:
1st world exporter of dates and olive oil
7th world producer of phosphates and triple superphosphate
8th supplier of the European Union and 5th supplier of France in apparel products
Favorable FDI Destination
Foreign investment culture in Tunisia is not new. In the 1970s, a large number of foreign companies started settling in the country which became a key offshore destination.
Today, more than 3,350 foreign companies have settled in Tunisia providing over 354,000 jobs. In a business environment similar to that of many countries of southern Europe, they enjoy more attractive incentives.
During 2015, foreign investment (all sectors included) reached amounted to 2,365.9 M TND.
Geostrategic position
Located at the junction of the eastern and western basin of the Mediterranean, and only 140 km from Europe, Tunisia enjoys a privileged geographical position which makes it a regional hub for investment as well as for trade and production.
Within less than three hours flying time from European capitals and major cities of the Middle East, Tunisia is at the heart of the Euro-Mediterranean logistic chain.
It is also the favourite destination for those who decide to access a market of 800 million consumers.
Outward Orientation
Today, more than 3,350 foreign companies have settled in Tunisia providing over 354,000 jobs. In a business environment similar to that of many countries of southern Europe, they enjoy more attractive incentives.
During 2015, foreign investment (all sectors included) reached amounted to 2,365.9 M TND.
Geostrategic position
Located at the junction of the eastern and western basin of the Mediterranean, and only 140 km from Europe, Tunisia enjoys a privileged geographical position which makes it a regional hub for investment as well as for trade and production.
Within less than three hours flying time from European capitals and major cities of the Middle East, Tunisia is at the heart of the Euro-Mediterranean logistic chain.
It is also the favourite destination for those who decide to access a market of 800 million consumers.
Outward Orientation
With 1,300 km of coastline, Tunisia is naturally outward looking. Its exports amounted to nearly 30 % of its GDP. Foreign direct investment, in turn, represents a share of about 10 % of gross fixed capital formation (GFCF). This reflects the significant interaction of Tunisian economy with the outside.
Opening towards the European Union
Following the Association and free trade agreement with the European Union, signed in 1995, Tunisia became an Advanced EU Partner in November 2012. This status grants Tunisia commercial benefits, strengthening its economic agreements with the EU and thus giving priority to its exports to European markets.
Since then, the negotiations towards the signature of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) are underway to ensure the progressive integration of Tunisia in the internal market of the EU and to build a Common Economic Space.
In 2015, the value of exports to the EU reached 9.5 billion €, making Europe the largest economic and trade partner of the country.
Regional and International Integration
Tunisia is signatory to 52 double taxation conventions and 54 bilateral agreements on investment promotion and protection.
The Tunisian trade policy is based on trade liberalization measures undertaken unilaterally or through multilateral and preferential agreements designed to improve allocative efficiency, to provide access to larger markets and to enable greater economies of scale.
The contents of the agreements signed by Tunisia continue to evolve by integrating the mutual removal of trade barriers and introducing institutional standards that involve local regulations or laws.
Tunisia is signatory to several bilateral and multilateral trade agreements contributing to the consolidation of its position in its international and regional environment, such as:
a bilateral agreement establishing a free trade zone with Turkey,
a free trade area agreement with EFTA countries since 2004,
a free trade agreement of Agadir between Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia signed in 2004,
bilateral agreements establishing a free trade area with Libya, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan and Iraq,
an agreement establishing the Pan-Arab Free Trade Area with 19 countries of the League of Arab States.
Because Tunisia is concerned with protecting foreign investment, it is also a member of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes and joined in May 2012 the OECD declaration on international investment and multinational enterprises to promote the accountability of governments and businesses.
Tunisia is an original member of the World Trade Organization since 1995.
A Regional Hub
Tunisia is a preferred site for investors wishing to serve neighbouring markets like the Algerian and Libyan markets. It is also a regional platform to cover on the one hand, the European countries and on the other hand, African countries as well as the Arab Gulf enjoying strong growth and high purchasing power.
Preferential Access to Several Markets
Tunisia benefits from reduced tariffs granted under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which promotes the integration of countries into the multilateral trading system and contributes to promoting development through trade.
The GSP covers a wide range of exported products mainly manufactured, agricultural and craft goods with the United States, Canada, Japan, Switzerland and Australia.
Tunisia also enjoys preferential access to markets in several African countries in the framework of bilateral agreements.
Airport and Marine Infrastructure
Opening towards the European Union
Following the Association and free trade agreement with the European Union, signed in 1995, Tunisia became an Advanced EU Partner in November 2012. This status grants Tunisia commercial benefits, strengthening its economic agreements with the EU and thus giving priority to its exports to European markets.
Since then, the negotiations towards the signature of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) are underway to ensure the progressive integration of Tunisia in the internal market of the EU and to build a Common Economic Space.
In 2015, the value of exports to the EU reached 9.5 billion €, making Europe the largest economic and trade partner of the country.
Regional and International Integration
Tunisia is signatory to 52 double taxation conventions and 54 bilateral agreements on investment promotion and protection.
The Tunisian trade policy is based on trade liberalization measures undertaken unilaterally or through multilateral and preferential agreements designed to improve allocative efficiency, to provide access to larger markets and to enable greater economies of scale.
The contents of the agreements signed by Tunisia continue to evolve by integrating the mutual removal of trade barriers and introducing institutional standards that involve local regulations or laws.
Tunisia is signatory to several bilateral and multilateral trade agreements contributing to the consolidation of its position in its international and regional environment, such as:
a bilateral agreement establishing a free trade zone with Turkey,
a free trade area agreement with EFTA countries since 2004,
a free trade agreement of Agadir between Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia signed in 2004,
bilateral agreements establishing a free trade area with Libya, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan and Iraq,
an agreement establishing the Pan-Arab Free Trade Area with 19 countries of the League of Arab States.
Because Tunisia is concerned with protecting foreign investment, it is also a member of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes and joined in May 2012 the OECD declaration on international investment and multinational enterprises to promote the accountability of governments and businesses.
Tunisia is an original member of the World Trade Organization since 1995.
A Regional Hub
Tunisia is a preferred site for investors wishing to serve neighbouring markets like the Algerian and Libyan markets. It is also a regional platform to cover on the one hand, the European countries and on the other hand, African countries as well as the Arab Gulf enjoying strong growth and high purchasing power.
Preferential Access to Several Markets
Tunisia benefits from reduced tariffs granted under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which promotes the integration of countries into the multilateral trading system and contributes to promoting development through trade.
The GSP covers a wide range of exported products mainly manufactured, agricultural and craft goods with the United States, Canada, Japan, Switzerland and Australia.
Tunisia also enjoys preferential access to markets in several African countries in the framework of bilateral agreements.
Airport and Marine Infrastructure
The quality of Tunisian infrastructure is a major asset for the country and contributes fully to the development of its industrial fabric.
Tunisia is pursuing its investment efforts to improve its road and rail connections and its air transport. Similarly, it works to modernise port facilities.
Airport Infrastructure
Tunisia has nine international airports covering its entire territory. The most important airport is Tunis-Carthage
About a hundred foreign airlines provide more than 1,600 weekly flights from Tunisia to Europe.
A Performing Education System
Tunisia is pursuing its investment efforts to improve its road and rail connections and its air transport. Similarly, it works to modernise port facilities.
Airport Infrastructure
Tunisia has nine international airports covering its entire territory. The most important airport is Tunis-Carthage
About a hundred foreign airlines provide more than 1,600 weekly flights from Tunisia to Europe.
A Performing Education System
Pioneer in the field of education in the MENA area, Tunisia devotes 7 % of its GDP to the development of its education system, representing more than the average allocated in OECD countries.
According to the Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015 (World Economic Forum), highlighting the strengths of competitiveness, Tunisia is ranked 32nd out of a total of 144 countries in terms of education quality in math and science. Tunisia hence ranks on top of North African countries and even ahead of developed countries and certain emerging countries.
In line with modern educational methods, Tunisia is one of the first countries in North Africa and the Arab countries to engage in the field of distance education and e-Learning.
incentive Legislation
According to the Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015 (World Economic Forum), highlighting the strengths of competitiveness, Tunisia is ranked 32nd out of a total of 144 countries in terms of education quality in math and science. Tunisia hence ranks on top of North African countries and even ahead of developed countries and certain emerging countries.
In line with modern educational methods, Tunisia is one of the first countries in North Africa and the Arab countries to engage in the field of distance education and e-Learning.
incentive Legislation
The Tunisian economy is characterized by deep liberalization, greater integration into the world economy and more sustained competitiveness combined with an incentive regulatory and fiscal framework.
Since the early 70s, Tunisia has set up a regulatory framework for investment that provides:
freedom of capital and dividend repatriation
tax incentives
investment subsidies
special incentives for regional development zones
coverage of social contributions
coverage of vocational training
a coverage of infrastructure spending
benefits granted to support investment.
Specific incentives for regional development areas (ZDR)
Since 2008, there are three regional development areas for investment in industry, handicrafts and a number of service activities: first group regional development area, second group regional development area and priority regional development area.
These spatial boundaries provide specific incentives for investment much more favourable to investors wishing to settle first in the priority area, -then in the second group and finally in the first group area. All these advantages and incentives are listed in the table below:
Attractive Regulation
Since the early 70s, Tunisia has set up a regulatory framework for investment that provides:
freedom of capital and dividend repatriation
tax incentives
investment subsidies
special incentives for regional development zones
coverage of social contributions
coverage of vocational training
a coverage of infrastructure spending
benefits granted to support investment.
Specific incentives for regional development areas (ZDR)
Since 2008, there are three regional development areas for investment in industry, handicrafts and a number of service activities: first group regional development area, second group regional development area and priority regional development area.
These spatial boundaries provide specific incentives for investment much more favourable to investors wishing to settle first in the priority area, -then in the second group and finally in the first group area. All these advantages and incentives are listed in the table below:
Attractive Regulation
Freedom of Investment
Foreigners can freely invest in all sectors under the Investment Incentives Code when the activity is totally exporting. They can thus hold up to 100 % of the project capital without authorization.
Foreigners can freely invest in all sectors under the Investment Incentives Code when the activity is totally exporting. They can thus hold up to 100 % of the project capital without authorization.
Investment in certain sectors other than those totally exporting is subject to prior authorization for both Tunisians and foreigners.
Certain activities can be subject to a simple declaration and others are submitted to prior approval. However, there are also activities that are governed by specific laws. A comprehensive list of all these activities is available in the Foreign Investor Code.
Simple Incorporation procedures
In order to facilitate the settlement procedures of foreign investors, Tunisia relies on the existence of clear, open and transparent procedures to ensure fair and impartial treatment of investors enabling significant savings in time and cost.
To this end, Tunisia provides foreign investors with a centre gathering all administrative and legal procedures necessary for the legal incorporation of a company: the one-stop desk of APII.
ISO 9001 certified, it brings together in one space, both in Tunis and at the multiple regional offices, the different public institutions involved in the required procedures to create a business: declarations of investment projects and incorporation of companies.
It is responsible for completing within 24 hours following the receipt of incorporation documents and examination of their admissibility, the required procedures for the establishment of the legal entities to be created.
Protection of intellectual property
In Tunisia, the intellectual property is protected by the provisions of national legislation and by international treaties covering this field.
Certain activities can be subject to a simple declaration and others are submitted to prior approval. However, there are also activities that are governed by specific laws. A comprehensive list of all these activities is available in the Foreign Investor Code.
Simple Incorporation procedures
In order to facilitate the settlement procedures of foreign investors, Tunisia relies on the existence of clear, open and transparent procedures to ensure fair and impartial treatment of investors enabling significant savings in time and cost.
To this end, Tunisia provides foreign investors with a centre gathering all administrative and legal procedures necessary for the legal incorporation of a company: the one-stop desk of APII.
ISO 9001 certified, it brings together in one space, both in Tunis and at the multiple regional offices, the different public institutions involved in the required procedures to create a business: declarations of investment projects and incorporation of companies.
It is responsible for completing within 24 hours following the receipt of incorporation documents and examination of their admissibility, the required procedures for the establishment of the legal entities to be created.
Protection of intellectual property
In Tunisia, the intellectual property is protected by the provisions of national legislation and by international treaties covering this field.
The registration of industrial designs, inventions and trademarks is made at the National Institute for Standardization and Industrial Property (INNORPI). Depending on its nature, the protection is effective for:
20 years for patents
A renewable period of 10 years for trademarks,
5, 10 or 15 years for industrial designs
Flexible Recruitment Procedures
20 years for patents
A renewable period of 10 years for trademarks,
5, 10 or 15 years for industrial designs
Flexible Recruitment Procedures
Tunisia offers foreign investors an educated workforce that can be quickly trained to new techniques and skills. Recruitment of staff in Tunisia is free and competitive.
To recruit its staff foreign entrepreneurs may use both national support organizations such as the National Agency for Employment and Independent Work (ANETI), the National Bureau of Employment of Managers (BNEC) or their regional offices, and private recruitment firms
