Context
Despite its diversified base, Tunisian industry is still not very competitive. Annual economic growth is also too low to generate sufficient employment for the country’s young population. So far, only a few companies have succeeded in tapping into new markets. In addition, innovation must be promoted so that the country can manage its transition to more climate-sensitive and greener production. The low level of both competitiveness and adaptability in much of the Tunisian economy contributed to a deep economic recession and high unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Objective
Tunisian industry is becoming more competitive and the country’s business and investment climate are improved.
Approach
The project operates in four fields of activity:
- Improving the legal and institutional framework: The project supports the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy in implementing key measures to improve the business and investment climate in Tunisia.
- Expanding innovative activities and the green transformation: The project promotes green and digital innovations, which allows small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to improve their productivity, product quality, and energy efficiency. This support encourages businesses to improve their overall sustainability by reducing the consumption of energy, water, and pollutant emissions.
- Promoting integration in supply chains and export capacity: The project assists businesses in modernising their infrastructure, meeting international quality standards, and reducing production costs. By reducing technical trade barriers and improving product quality through strategic innovation and digitalisation, SMEs can more easily access new markets and integrate more successfully into international supply chains.
- Supporting companies to adapt to changing market conditions: The project advises companies on improving their management approaches to make them more resilient and better able to respond to crises in future.
Last update: August 2023