In Tunisia, when phosphate production thrives, so does the economy.
15 July 2015
Read by 2524 persons
A recent press release by the Minister of Commerce has been described as hopeful for an economic recovery in Tunisia.
"With the resumption of phosphate plant production, Tunisian exports could see a significant improvement," said Ridha Lahouel, urging Tunisians to work more, improve their productivity and increase exports, the only way to reduce the trade deficit and boost economic growth in the country.
"All stakeholders (ministries, administration, regional structures, national organizations...) are involved in this process and must redouble their efforts to achieve the expected objectives," he added, specifying that the trade balance deficit fell by 7.8%, thanks to improved export volumes, which increased by 3.4%, and control of imports, which decreased compared to 2014.
The Minister of Commerce also indicated that his department is working to control inflation, the current rate of which is 5%, adding that an improvement in this rate is expected by the end of July.
However, indicators related to investment, which is the basis for wealth creation and employment, are very disappointing, since declared investments in the industrial sector fell by 5.4% during the first 5 months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, falling from 1,249.1 million dinars (MD) to 1,181.6 MD. The only improvement was recorded in the agri-food sector, which mobilized 366.9 MD during the aforementioned period of 2015 compared to 357.9 MD in 2014 (+2.5%).
Wajdi Msaed.
Kapitalis.com
Published on July 15, 2015.
Posted online on July 15, 2015.
"With the resumption of phosphate plant production, Tunisian exports could see a significant improvement," said Ridha Lahouel, urging Tunisians to work more, improve their productivity and increase exports, the only way to reduce the trade deficit and boost economic growth in the country.
"All stakeholders (ministries, administration, regional structures, national organizations...) are involved in this process and must redouble their efforts to achieve the expected objectives," he added, specifying that the trade balance deficit fell by 7.8%, thanks to improved export volumes, which increased by 3.4%, and control of imports, which decreased compared to 2014.
The Minister of Commerce also indicated that his department is working to control inflation, the current rate of which is 5%, adding that an improvement in this rate is expected by the end of July.
However, indicators related to investment, which is the basis for wealth creation and employment, are very disappointing, since declared investments in the industrial sector fell by 5.4% during the first 5 months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, falling from 1,249.1 million dinars (MD) to 1,181.6 MD. The only improvement was recorded in the agri-food sector, which mobilized 366.9 MD during the aforementioned period of 2015 compared to 357.9 MD in 2014 (+2.5%).
Wajdi Msaed.
Kapitalis.com
Published on July 15, 2015.
Posted online on July 15, 2015.
