The Role of Tunisian Skills Abroad: 3 Ways to Effectively Support Economic Transition
28 February 2014
Read by 1682 persons
How did India become a global hub for information and communication technologies? What is the reason for the incredible economic growth of the Asian Tigers? What made China the world's leading industrial power? Their skills residing abroad! The knowledge, experience and networks of our skills abroad must be used at this critical moment in our country's history.
Last year, at a conference in New York for Tunisian professionals residing in the United States, I was struck by the message of a Tunisian official: He essentially said "return to Tunisia; you will be paid much less, but your country needs you in these difficult times!" This type of appeal naturally finds a serious echo among Tunisian skills based abroad. However, our skills abroad are able to be just as useful (if not more so) to Tunisia from where they are located. Thus, when engaged in an appropriate way, these skills can be a powerful lever for economic growth for Tunisia, an important vector for promotion and lobbying in the country of residence, and a bridge to increase economic ties, partnerships and exchanges between Tunisia and the world.
The involvement of Tunisians abroad has mainly resulted, in the past, in transfers of funds on the one hand, and disinvestments, on the other. For example, remittances represented 5% of GDP in 2012 and 22.7% of national savings(1). Furthermore, also in 2012, investments by Tunisians abroad involved nearly 5500 projects, two-thirds of which were in the service sector. Tunisians abroad are indeed best placed to be providers of foreign direct investment, because of their understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in their country. Nevertheless, since the revolution, remittances and investment levels have fallen. While the situation in Libya and the economic crisis in Europe can partly explain this regression, security problems and the political crisis have contributed significantly. Today, with the adoption of the Constitution and the appointment of a new government of skills, the energy that seemed to fade over the past two years should be back.
Despite the political, economic and security obstacles, there is today, for our skills abroad, a window of opportunity to re-engage vigorously, especially as the hope that is beginning to be reborn remains fragile, as the terrorist attack in Jendouba has painfully reminded us. With 1.2 million Tunisians living abroad, a third of whom hold positions of responsibility (management, services, scientific research)(2), our skills abroad can and must become more involved in supporting Tunisia's economic recovery at this critical moment. They are particularly ideally placed to engage in the following three ways:
1 - Promoting the "Tunisia" label abroad
Tunisian skills abroad can be an effective and powerful voice for Tunisia because they are able to give a precise, representative and objective image to potential investors, tourists and civil society in general. The key learning from our own experience at TAYP (Tunisian American Young Professionals) is that the promotion of Tunisia as an investment destination must be done in a subtle and differentiated way because these investors hear the same types of classic messages from other countries in the region. Beyond Tunisia's fundamental strengths (geostrategic location, educated society, attractive cost/quality ratio, tax advantages, infrastructure), the message must describe the country's added value as a platform for expansion to Africa, the Middle East and Southern Europe. We must also highlight Tunisia's achievements since the revolution: isn't our active civil society the best guarantor of transparency and the rule of law? Isn't the compromise reached on the constitution a fine example that dialogue can become the norm and thus pave the way for the resolution of disputes in a fair and transparent manner, and for better governance? Aren't Tunisian women a key differentiator, and an indicator of openness and risk mitigation? These are a few examples of the "Tunisia" label that its representatives abroad are able to highlight.
2 - Advocating for international support for our nascent democracy
Tunisia is the best hope for a democracy to be effectively established in the region. This is a huge opportunity, but it remains fragile. In order to strengthen security, revive the economy and create an atmosphere conducive to free and transparent elections, the government needs the support of all Tunisians, and in particular those who live outside the Motherland.
Indeed, they can increase Tunisia's visibility with other governments, international organizations, the media and non-governmental organizations: letters, petitions, writing articles in newspapers, blogs and websites expressing their opinion and the support required for Tunisia.
A concrete example of action would be to advocate for greater international support for the organization and monitoring of the next elections. To maximize our chances of having fair and transparent elections, the economic and security environment must be stabilized. Consequently, support is equally important in these areas. Finally, continuing exchanges of students, academics, civil society leaders and the private sector will also allow for a better understanding and more links and partnerships.
3 - Launching training, mentoring and capacity building programs in Tunisia
Tunisians abroad can be a significant force for economic development. Many ministers in the current and previous post-revolution governments have been chosen from this community to bring new energy to their country. Our skills abroad possess knowledge, experience and international connections and have the unique advantage of having this double understanding of what is possible in their host country, combined with a strong sensitivity to the challenges and opportunities that exist in Tunisia.
The involvement of diasporas around the world is abundant. The networks of the Indian or Irish diaspora are examples of groups that have provided connections, facilitated the transfer of technology and knowledge. For example, "Indus Entrepreneurs" was launched in the 1990s by engineers from the Indian diaspora with the aim of supporting and mentoring promising Indian entrepreneurs. It has contributed to thousands of success stories, helped to change regulations and promote the venture capital sector in India.
In Tunisia, organizations such as ATUGE in France, or NATEG in Canada, have made the economic empowerment of young people in Tunisia a central objective. NATEG, for example, organizes a three-day summer camp each year, bringing together engineering students, professors and business leaders from Tunisia, the United States and Canada. ATUGE organizes an annual forum to connect businesses with job seekers, encourage entrepreneurship, discuss reforms and allow networking with business leaders. Other initiatives launched by our skills abroad, such as "business competitions", also contribute to strengthening the country's entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Our objective at TAYP is more modest and targeted: to create a few success stories through the mentoring we provide to high-potential young entrepreneurs. This can serve as an engine to encourage entrepreneurship and stimulate economic growth through the private sector. It is important at this early stage to create a dynamic where confidence is strengthened for young people and to show that success is achievable in a system that promotes equity and meritocracy.
Tunisian skills abroad have the capacity to contribute to Tunisia's transition, far beyond these suggested actions. They must channel their energy and attention to Tunisia and transform them into actions. Distance is a challenge but also an opportunity, because the analysis of the country from the outside is often less emotional, fact-based and can therefore be more constructive. In a globalized world where collaboration and information sharing are essential, the participation of Tunisian talent abroad must focus more on the exchange of knowledge and the creation of projects with our country. This is a committed way to contribute to the economic development of our country, but also to learn, connect and strive to overcome the many obstacles and imperfections that exist in our system and thus contribute to the prosperity of Tunisia through the contribution of its children living abroad.
Mohamed Malouche.
*Mohamed Malouche is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of TAYP (Tunisian American Young Professionals), an association of Tunisians in the United States aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, ties and exchanges between Tunisia and the United States. He is also a member of the board of directors and treasurer of the Tunisian American Enterprise Fund, a fund created by the American government to support the post-revolution economic transition with a particular focus on SMEs and Tunisian entrepreneurs. He is a director at Deloitte Consulting LLP in Washington DC.
1) Source: African Manager 2012 - “What to expect from expatriates in the wake of the Revolution?”
2)Source: Global Forum on Migration and Development- Tunisia report November 2012
Leaders.com.tn
Published on February 28, 2014.
Posted online February 28, 2014.
Last year, at a conference in New York for Tunisian professionals residing in the United States, I was struck by the message of a Tunisian official: He essentially said "return to Tunisia; you will be paid much less, but your country needs you in these difficult times!" This type of appeal naturally finds a serious echo among Tunisian skills based abroad. However, our skills abroad are able to be just as useful (if not more so) to Tunisia from where they are located. Thus, when engaged in an appropriate way, these skills can be a powerful lever for economic growth for Tunisia, an important vector for promotion and lobbying in the country of residence, and a bridge to increase economic ties, partnerships and exchanges between Tunisia and the world.
The involvement of Tunisians abroad has mainly resulted, in the past, in transfers of funds on the one hand, and disinvestments, on the other. For example, remittances represented 5% of GDP in 2012 and 22.7% of national savings(1). Furthermore, also in 2012, investments by Tunisians abroad involved nearly 5500 projects, two-thirds of which were in the service sector. Tunisians abroad are indeed best placed to be providers of foreign direct investment, because of their understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in their country. Nevertheless, since the revolution, remittances and investment levels have fallen. While the situation in Libya and the economic crisis in Europe can partly explain this regression, security problems and the political crisis have contributed significantly. Today, with the adoption of the Constitution and the appointment of a new government of skills, the energy that seemed to fade over the past two years should be back.
Despite the political, economic and security obstacles, there is today, for our skills abroad, a window of opportunity to re-engage vigorously, especially as the hope that is beginning to be reborn remains fragile, as the terrorist attack in Jendouba has painfully reminded us. With 1.2 million Tunisians living abroad, a third of whom hold positions of responsibility (management, services, scientific research)(2), our skills abroad can and must become more involved in supporting Tunisia's economic recovery at this critical moment. They are particularly ideally placed to engage in the following three ways:
1 - Promoting the "Tunisia" label abroad
Tunisian skills abroad can be an effective and powerful voice for Tunisia because they are able to give a precise, representative and objective image to potential investors, tourists and civil society in general. The key learning from our own experience at TAYP (Tunisian American Young Professionals) is that the promotion of Tunisia as an investment destination must be done in a subtle and differentiated way because these investors hear the same types of classic messages from other countries in the region. Beyond Tunisia's fundamental strengths (geostrategic location, educated society, attractive cost/quality ratio, tax advantages, infrastructure), the message must describe the country's added value as a platform for expansion to Africa, the Middle East and Southern Europe. We must also highlight Tunisia's achievements since the revolution: isn't our active civil society the best guarantor of transparency and the rule of law? Isn't the compromise reached on the constitution a fine example that dialogue can become the norm and thus pave the way for the resolution of disputes in a fair and transparent manner, and for better governance? Aren't Tunisian women a key differentiator, and an indicator of openness and risk mitigation? These are a few examples of the "Tunisia" label that its representatives abroad are able to highlight.
2 - Advocating for international support for our nascent democracy
Tunisia is the best hope for a democracy to be effectively established in the region. This is a huge opportunity, but it remains fragile. In order to strengthen security, revive the economy and create an atmosphere conducive to free and transparent elections, the government needs the support of all Tunisians, and in particular those who live outside the Motherland.
Indeed, they can increase Tunisia's visibility with other governments, international organizations, the media and non-governmental organizations: letters, petitions, writing articles in newspapers, blogs and websites expressing their opinion and the support required for Tunisia.
A concrete example of action would be to advocate for greater international support for the organization and monitoring of the next elections. To maximize our chances of having fair and transparent elections, the economic and security environment must be stabilized. Consequently, support is equally important in these areas. Finally, continuing exchanges of students, academics, civil society leaders and the private sector will also allow for a better understanding and more links and partnerships.
3 - Launching training, mentoring and capacity building programs in Tunisia
Tunisians abroad can be a significant force for economic development. Many ministers in the current and previous post-revolution governments have been chosen from this community to bring new energy to their country. Our skills abroad possess knowledge, experience and international connections and have the unique advantage of having this double understanding of what is possible in their host country, combined with a strong sensitivity to the challenges and opportunities that exist in Tunisia.
The involvement of diasporas around the world is abundant. The networks of the Indian or Irish diaspora are examples of groups that have provided connections, facilitated the transfer of technology and knowledge. For example, "Indus Entrepreneurs" was launched in the 1990s by engineers from the Indian diaspora with the aim of supporting and mentoring promising Indian entrepreneurs. It has contributed to thousands of success stories, helped to change regulations and promote the venture capital sector in India.
In Tunisia, organizations such as ATUGE in France, or NATEG in Canada, have made the economic empowerment of young people in Tunisia a central objective. NATEG, for example, organizes a three-day summer camp each year, bringing together engineering students, professors and business leaders from Tunisia, the United States and Canada. ATUGE organizes an annual forum to connect businesses with job seekers, encourage entrepreneurship, discuss reforms and allow networking with business leaders. Other initiatives launched by our skills abroad, such as "business competitions", also contribute to strengthening the country's entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Our objective at TAYP is more modest and targeted: to create a few success stories through the mentoring we provide to high-potential young entrepreneurs. This can serve as an engine to encourage entrepreneurship and stimulate economic growth through the private sector. It is important at this early stage to create a dynamic where confidence is strengthened for young people and to show that success is achievable in a system that promotes equity and meritocracy.
Tunisian skills abroad have the capacity to contribute to Tunisia's transition, far beyond these suggested actions. They must channel their energy and attention to Tunisia and transform them into actions. Distance is a challenge but also an opportunity, because the analysis of the country from the outside is often less emotional, fact-based and can therefore be more constructive. In a globalized world where collaboration and information sharing are essential, the participation of Tunisian talent abroad must focus more on the exchange of knowledge and the creation of projects with our country. This is a committed way to contribute to the economic development of our country, but also to learn, connect and strive to overcome the many obstacles and imperfections that exist in our system and thus contribute to the prosperity of Tunisia through the contribution of its children living abroad.
Mohamed Malouche.
*Mohamed Malouche is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of TAYP (Tunisian American Young Professionals), an association of Tunisians in the United States aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, ties and exchanges between Tunisia and the United States. He is also a member of the board of directors and treasurer of the Tunisian American Enterprise Fund, a fund created by the American government to support the post-revolution economic transition with a particular focus on SMEs and Tunisian entrepreneurs. He is a director at Deloitte Consulting LLP in Washington DC.
1) Source: African Manager 2012 - “What to expect from expatriates in the wake of the Revolution?”
2)Source: Global Forum on Migration and Development- Tunisia report November 2012
Leaders.com.tn
Published on February 28, 2014.
Posted online February 28, 2014.
