German Investors Still Interested in Tunisia
30 November 2011
Read by 1737 persons
The Ennahdha party's rise to power in Tunisia shouldn't negatively impact Tunisian-German cooperation, as all parties benefit from economic recovery and reduced unemployment.
Tunisian-German cooperation and partnership prospects were the focus of an economic forum held Monday in Gammarth. The forum was jointly organized by the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) and the Tunisian-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK). This was the first such forum since the Tunisian revolution. Nearly 30 German investors attended to explore and potentially develop projects.
According to the German attendees, the Tunisian economy remains quite strong, showing stable growth despite some disruptions. It continues to attract significant foreign direct investment. The forum allowed them to learn about the Tunisian market's potential, conditions, sector-specific characteristics, and expected changes after the first democratic elections.
Contacts with 700 companies
Besides individual meetings between potential partners and relevant institutions in both countries, the forum provided a platform for German companies already operating in Tunisia to share their experiences. This gave participants a clearer idea of practices, opportunities, and challenges in the Tunisian market.
The German delegation was led by Martin Wansleben, president of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), the most involved German cooperation institution in North African countries. At a press conference, he expressed admiration for the Tunisian revolution, stating that Tunisia is on the right path towards democracy and freedom. He said, "The new government needs to present its strategies for the coming period to encourage businesses to invest more in Tunisia."
Raouf Ben Debba, president of AHK, stated that AHK has contacted 700 companies from German chambers of commerce and industry to encourage investment in Tunisia. He noted that three companies have already committed to investing in Tunisia. He also mentioned that a 30-member German delegation of businesspeople from the energy, electronics, chemical, mechanical, and construction sectors is currently visiting Tunisia as part of this forum to explore new opportunities and encourage German investment.
274 companies and 50,000 jobs
Tunisia's exports to Germany reach €1.6 billion annually, while imports are around €1.25 billion. Currently, 274 German companies operate in Tunisia, providing nearly 50,000 jobs. All these companies remain operational; none left the country despite post-January 14th challenges.
Noureddine Zekri, FIPA's director-general, highlighted the forum's importance, mentioning it's part of an action plan implemented in several German cities and economic regions. Now, the focus is on moving to the next phase: on-the-ground assessment of the investment environment after the revolution.
"New values are in place, including transparency in areas previously monopolized by the old regime (large retail, environment, renewable energies...), boosting German investors' confidence," said the Tunisian official.
Mr. Zekri also pointed out that the current business environment is characterized by a developing infrastructure (10 competitiveness clusters, 13 cyber parks, industrial zones, 9 airports, and commercial seaports) and a regulatory framework favorable to investment.
Ennahdha's rise to power and business continuity
Could Ennahdha's rise to power change things? Mr. Zekri was categorical: "I don't think things will get complicated. This party's discourse calls for economic development and unemployment reduction. It cannot affect priorities, especially employment, as German companies can absorb nearly 20% of the unemployed. We hope the state will prioritize regional infrastructure development, a crucial factor in attracting more German investors." The Tunisian official expressed satisfaction that all German companies remained after the revolution: "We're proud of this, and we expect even more German investors in the future."
AHK's managing director, Dagmar Ossenbrink, mentioned that since January 14th, 104 new members have joined. She added that Tunisia offers German investors an easily understood market, a diversified industry, and a geostrategic location facilitating access to Arab and African markets.
In 2010, Tunisia was Germany's leading trading partner in the Maghreb. This is likely to continue, as Germany is a reliable partner with long-term interests in Tunisia.
Ms. Ossenbrink added that German companies are interested in the industrial, infrastructure, service, health, agricultural, agri-food, renewable energy, and environmental technology sectors.
Marouen El Mehdi
Kapitalis.com
Published November 30, 2011.
Posted online November 30, 2011.
Tunisian-German cooperation and partnership prospects were the focus of an economic forum held Monday in Gammarth. The forum was jointly organized by the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) and the Tunisian-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK). This was the first such forum since the Tunisian revolution. Nearly 30 German investors attended to explore and potentially develop projects.
According to the German attendees, the Tunisian economy remains quite strong, showing stable growth despite some disruptions. It continues to attract significant foreign direct investment. The forum allowed them to learn about the Tunisian market's potential, conditions, sector-specific characteristics, and expected changes after the first democratic elections.
Contacts with 700 companies
Besides individual meetings between potential partners and relevant institutions in both countries, the forum provided a platform for German companies already operating in Tunisia to share their experiences. This gave participants a clearer idea of practices, opportunities, and challenges in the Tunisian market.
The German delegation was led by Martin Wansleben, president of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), the most involved German cooperation institution in North African countries. At a press conference, he expressed admiration for the Tunisian revolution, stating that Tunisia is on the right path towards democracy and freedom. He said, "The new government needs to present its strategies for the coming period to encourage businesses to invest more in Tunisia."
Raouf Ben Debba, president of AHK, stated that AHK has contacted 700 companies from German chambers of commerce and industry to encourage investment in Tunisia. He noted that three companies have already committed to investing in Tunisia. He also mentioned that a 30-member German delegation of businesspeople from the energy, electronics, chemical, mechanical, and construction sectors is currently visiting Tunisia as part of this forum to explore new opportunities and encourage German investment.
274 companies and 50,000 jobs
Tunisia's exports to Germany reach €1.6 billion annually, while imports are around €1.25 billion. Currently, 274 German companies operate in Tunisia, providing nearly 50,000 jobs. All these companies remain operational; none left the country despite post-January 14th challenges.
Noureddine Zekri, FIPA's director-general, highlighted the forum's importance, mentioning it's part of an action plan implemented in several German cities and economic regions. Now, the focus is on moving to the next phase: on-the-ground assessment of the investment environment after the revolution.
"New values are in place, including transparency in areas previously monopolized by the old regime (large retail, environment, renewable energies...), boosting German investors' confidence," said the Tunisian official.
Mr. Zekri also pointed out that the current business environment is characterized by a developing infrastructure (10 competitiveness clusters, 13 cyber parks, industrial zones, 9 airports, and commercial seaports) and a regulatory framework favorable to investment.
Ennahdha's rise to power and business continuity
Could Ennahdha's rise to power change things? Mr. Zekri was categorical: "I don't think things will get complicated. This party's discourse calls for economic development and unemployment reduction. It cannot affect priorities, especially employment, as German companies can absorb nearly 20% of the unemployed. We hope the state will prioritize regional infrastructure development, a crucial factor in attracting more German investors." The Tunisian official expressed satisfaction that all German companies remained after the revolution: "We're proud of this, and we expect even more German investors in the future."
AHK's managing director, Dagmar Ossenbrink, mentioned that since January 14th, 104 new members have joined. She added that Tunisia offers German investors an easily understood market, a diversified industry, and a geostrategic location facilitating access to Arab and African markets.
In 2010, Tunisia was Germany's leading trading partner in the Maghreb. This is likely to continue, as Germany is a reliable partner with long-term interests in Tunisia.
Ms. Ossenbrink added that German companies are interested in the industrial, infrastructure, service, health, agricultural, agri-food, renewable energy, and environmental technology sectors.
Marouen El Mehdi
Kapitalis.com
Published November 30, 2011.
Posted online November 30, 2011.
