Coproduction in Tunisia : second report of the Observatory
As a consequence of the global recession and of the lasting security crisis, Tunisia is having difficulty in attracting new foreign investors. FDI inflows are stagnating at around $1.1 billion per year, after culminating at $3.3 billion in 2006. Even France, which is the first partner of the Tunisian economy with nearly 15% of FDI inflows in 2014 and 1,350 established companies (out of 3,220 foreign companies), seems to be stepping aside in the face of the current evolutions and the reform implementation in Tunisia.
Nevertheless, due to its openness and to the promotion of exportations via outsourcing and co-sourcing, Tunisia still benefits from a strong industrial foundation favourable to the development of quality coproduction. Tunisia moved upmarket thanks to the existence of cutting-edge companies in each key sector. An analysis of strengths and sectoral opportunities in Tunisia in terms of coproduction highlights historic leading sectors (ICT, mechanical and textile industry) and future-oriented sectors (renewable energies, health, pharmaceuticals and industrial agriculture).
After having analysed the various characteristics of European FDI in Tunisia and identified the sectors favourable to the development of coproduction, this second report of the Observatory, called “Coproduction in Tunisia: Context, realisations and perspectives” offers recommendations in order to make Tunisia attractive again for investors and encourage the Tunisian economy “to move upmarket”.