Tunisian Ambassador: "Our country is experiencing a strong economic recovery"
8 April 2013
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We are witnessing a recovery of the economy and a return of investments in Tunisia after a sharp drop linked to the revolution."
This was stated by the Tunisian ambassador to Algeria, Mohamed Nadjib Hachana, during a press conference on Thursday in Oran. The diplomat came to support the advertising campaign conducted by the Tunisian National Tourist Office (ONTT), which is taking part in the 4th edition of the Tourism Fair held in Oran. Despite a difficult period linked to the shock of the revolution, the Tunisian economy made a leap of 3.6% GDP growth in 2012, thus marking a recovery.
The instability, which lasted two years since the revolution that toppled Ben Ali's regime, heavily impacted the economic situation. But, according to the ambassador, "lately, we are seeing a revival of investments." The new government hopes to create 90,000 jobs. The tourism sector has been severely affected in the last two years. The country has launched a plan to boost this sector, which accounts for a significant share of its GDP (8%), and which supports nearly 2 million people, or 1/5 of the population. The new government has launched a support plan for tour operators working on the Tunisian destination to promote joint advertising. 50% of the budget allocated to tourism will be dedicated to tourist advertising. The Tunisian government will launch an advertising campaign in the Algerian market next June.
Maghrebis are at the top, representing 67.8% of the total number of tourists since January. The ambassador paid tribute to "the solidarity of Algerians who supported Tunisia during difficult times." "More than 900,000 Algerians visited Tunisia in 2012, nearly 30% more than in 2011," according to the ONTT. In response to a question, the diplomat deplored the fact that "at a time when regional groups in Africa, Asia and elsewhere are achieving an economic integration rate of around 40%, the Maghreb countries are unable to exceed the insignificant rate of 2% of their trade exchanges." "It's a shame and it's inconceivable!" he lamented.
And he estimates that improving economic integration necessarily requires the development of infrastructure linking the countries. He mentions "the progress" of projects linking Tunisia to the Algerian East-West highway, the reactivation of the railway line linking Algiers to Tunis, and the maritime service between the two countries. The opening of a maritime line between the two countries was promised for 2010, but the project has hit a snag.
Following this, the diplomat highlights "the progress made by companies from both countries, which are making great efforts to conclude partnerships." "Things are going well in the agri-food, energy, communication and construction sectors," he rejoices. Regarding the movement of people, the ambassador does not fail to mention the ambition of the countries in the region to abolish the obligation for Maghrebis to hold a passport to travel in the member countries of the Maghreb. "The project to be able to travel with a simple identity card is on the common agenda, but this requires great security and administrative cooperation from the member states of the Maghreb," he says. Finally, the ambassador announced the opening of a consulate in Oran during the second half of this year.
Cherif Lahdiri.
Elwatan.com
Published on April 6, 2013.
Posted online on April 8, 2013.
This was stated by the Tunisian ambassador to Algeria, Mohamed Nadjib Hachana, during a press conference on Thursday in Oran. The diplomat came to support the advertising campaign conducted by the Tunisian National Tourist Office (ONTT), which is taking part in the 4th edition of the Tourism Fair held in Oran. Despite a difficult period linked to the shock of the revolution, the Tunisian economy made a leap of 3.6% GDP growth in 2012, thus marking a recovery.
The instability, which lasted two years since the revolution that toppled Ben Ali's regime, heavily impacted the economic situation. But, according to the ambassador, "lately, we are seeing a revival of investments." The new government hopes to create 90,000 jobs. The tourism sector has been severely affected in the last two years. The country has launched a plan to boost this sector, which accounts for a significant share of its GDP (8%), and which supports nearly 2 million people, or 1/5 of the population. The new government has launched a support plan for tour operators working on the Tunisian destination to promote joint advertising. 50% of the budget allocated to tourism will be dedicated to tourist advertising. The Tunisian government will launch an advertising campaign in the Algerian market next June.
Maghrebis are at the top, representing 67.8% of the total number of tourists since January. The ambassador paid tribute to "the solidarity of Algerians who supported Tunisia during difficult times." "More than 900,000 Algerians visited Tunisia in 2012, nearly 30% more than in 2011," according to the ONTT. In response to a question, the diplomat deplored the fact that "at a time when regional groups in Africa, Asia and elsewhere are achieving an economic integration rate of around 40%, the Maghreb countries are unable to exceed the insignificant rate of 2% of their trade exchanges." "It's a shame and it's inconceivable!" he lamented.
And he estimates that improving economic integration necessarily requires the development of infrastructure linking the countries. He mentions "the progress" of projects linking Tunisia to the Algerian East-West highway, the reactivation of the railway line linking Algiers to Tunis, and the maritime service between the two countries. The opening of a maritime line between the two countries was promised for 2010, but the project has hit a snag.
Following this, the diplomat highlights "the progress made by companies from both countries, which are making great efforts to conclude partnerships." "Things are going well in the agri-food, energy, communication and construction sectors," he rejoices. Regarding the movement of people, the ambassador does not fail to mention the ambition of the countries in the region to abolish the obligation for Maghrebis to hold a passport to travel in the member countries of the Maghreb. "The project to be able to travel with a simple identity card is on the common agenda, but this requires great security and administrative cooperation from the member states of the Maghreb," he says. Finally, the ambassador announced the opening of a consulate in Oran during the second half of this year.
Cherif Lahdiri.
Elwatan.com
Published on April 6, 2013.
Posted online on April 8, 2013.
