Invest in Tunisia Share performances

5 Tunisia in a nutshell

6 A competitive economy that works well

8 Tunisia at the crossroads of continents

10 A knowledge-based society

12 A dense and modern infrastructure

14 A favorable business environment

16 An attractive site for investment

18 A country where you can enjoy life

20 FIPA-Tunisia

Tabarka Beja Hammamet Enfidha Monastir

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4 Tunisia in a nutshell

Geographic location Area 162,155 km2 Location North , 140 km from Italy 1,300 km of coastline along the Mediterranean Climate Mediterranean Time zone GMT + 1 Capital Tunis (2.4 million inhabitants in the city & suburbs) Main cities Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, Nabeul, Gabes, Kairouan, El Kef, Jendouba, Beja...

Population

Population 10,434,000 inhabitants Working population 47.3% of the overall population Middle class 80% Annual income per capita 5,142 TND Life expectancy 74.3 years Official language Arabic Languages commonly used French, English, Italian

Institutional framework System Presidential Administrative divisions 24 governorates, further subdivided into delegations

Currency Tunisian dinar (TND) TND 1 = 1,000 millimes

Exchange rate Average rate for 2009 TND 1 = Euro 0.532 = US$ 0.741

Key figures 2009 2010 (E) GDP (in million TND) 53,419.1 57,553.8 Exports (in million TND) 26,680.7 28,868.7 Investment rate (% of GDP) 25.9% 26.5% Savings rate (% of GNAI*) 23.1% 23.3% Budget deficit (% of GDP) 3.8% 3.6% Rate of external indebtedness (% of GNAI*) 41.5% 39.5% Debt service ratio (% of current receipts) 11.4% 9.6%

*GNAI: gross national available income (E): estimated Ministry of Development and International Cooperation, Economic Budget 2010 5 A competitive economy that works well

A competitive economy Thanks to its proximity to , its socio-political stability, its highly skilled human resources and its effective integration into the Euro-Mediterranean area, Tunisia features several advantages making it a real success story in the Mediterranean area.

Tunisia is ranked in the southern shore of st the Mediterranean and in Africa according to the Global It is quoted as a model of economic success by international institutions and is Competitiveness Report 2009- awarded first rate rankings in terms of competitiveness across the African and 2010, released by the Davos World Southern Mediterranean area. Economic Forum and 40th out of 133 developed and emerging 1 countries in terms of global The Global Competitiveness Index competitiveness. Rank Country Score 7 Germany 5.37 16 France 5.13 18 Belgium 5.09 33 Spain 4.59 40 Tunisia 4.50 48 Italy 4.31 61 Turkey 4.16 70 Egypt 4.04 73 Morocco 4.03 Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010, Davos World Economic Forum

A diversified economy enjoying ongoing growth For a decade, Tunisia has been characterized by a sustained and continuous growth. Thus, despite the persistent instability of the global economy, Tunisia is pursuing its commitment to diversity and to building an economy based on knowledge and Low inflation on technology intensive activities. Over the last five years inflation has on average The 2008 global crisis has not, however, prevented Tunisia from recording a been kept at 3.6% thanks to the strengthening growth rate of around 3% in 2009 and which should reach 4% in 2010. of rules governing competition and to continuous The services sector and the manufacturing industries account for 42.7% and improvement in productivity. Hence, despite 17.6% of GDP respectively. fluctuation in oil and food prices on the international level in 2008 and 2009, the inflation GDP structure – factor costs in 2009 rate was kept at 5% and 3.7% respectively. In %

11.0 Agriculture & fishing Trends in the inflation rate 5.0 Non manufacturing industries In % 4.5 35.1 17.4 Manufacturing industries 2008 3.7 Tourism 2006 3.1 Transport 2009 17.6 Communications 2007 6.7 2.0 6.4 5.8 Other services 2005

6 Ministry of Development and International Cooperation, Economic Budget 2010 National Institute of Statistics, 2010 An economy open to the world In 2009, exports of goods and services accounted for 50% of GDP. They recorded a drop of 6.5% at constant prices under the effects of the crisis prevailing in the countries of the EU; Tunisia‘s main trading partner. This decline affected mainly the exports of goods (mechanical and electrical products, textiles and energy). Exports of services (notably tourism) recorded a slight increase. However, Tunisian exports remain diversified and are no more directly dependent on basic commodities (oil, phosphates). The mechanical and electrical industries remain the largest exporting branch (20.2%) followed by textiles (19.7%).

“The business has survived quite well in 2009. The fall in exports to Europe was partially offset by the resilience of the tourism sector and production increases in the sectors of mining (iron, phosphate) and energy (oil). Domestic demand was supported by public investment and by household consumption boosted by a wage revaluation in the public and private sectors.” The French Insurance Company for Foreign Trade “COFACE”, 2009

A low-risk economy Tunisia has been awarded an investment rating by financial institutions and rating agencies since 1994.

Tunisia’s rating in 2009

US agencies Standard & Poor’s BBB Moody’s Baa2 Fitch Rating BBB European agency IBCA BBB Japanese agency R & I A-

They said about Tunisia: “Tunisia’s macroeconomic stability and resistance to shocks are its main rating strengths.” Charles SEVILLE, Director – Sovereign Group at FITCH, February 2009

7 Tunisia at the crossroads of continents

A strategic position Less than three hours flying time from major European and Middle East cities, Tunisia is a preferred destination for those seeking a foothold in this 800 million consumer market. Tunisia is the country from st the southern Mediterranean shore to join, since January 2008, the Free Trade Area of the European Union. Regular service 1 European and Middle Eastern markets are easily accessible through: ■ nine airports and 124 foreign airlines providing more than 1,400 weekly flights to Europe;

Average frequency of flights per week Country Frequency France 571 Italy 172 Germany 169 Belgium 73 United Kingdom 68 Switzerland 54 Spain 32 Morocco 30 United Arab Emirates 17 Egypt 16 Saudi Arabia 14

The Tunisian Civil Aviation and Airports Authority, 2009

■ the existence of several ports and a modern maritime fleet to meet the requirements of security and speed. The diversity of activities of these ports, their complementary role and their location allow for the accommodation of all types of ships and for processing all kinds of goods. More than 8,000 vessels are accommodated annually. The shipping of goods reached 31 million tons in 2009;

Frequency of regularly-scheduled shipping lines for transport of merchandise (Port of Rades) per week

City Frequency (France) 7 Genoa (Italy), Valetta (Malta) 5 Valencia and Barcelona (Spain) 5 Livourna (Italy) 2 Gioia-Tauro, Pozzalo, Cagliari, Laspezia and Trapani (Italy) 1

Merchant Marine and Ports Office, 2009

■ one of the best telecommunication networks in Africa. Indeed, 33.3% of the population uses the Internet, with 381,982 subscribers in 2009 compared to 128,352 in 2007. The total telephone density per 100 inhabitants is 105.2%. 8 Free access to the European Union market The European Union is Tunisia’s primary economic and commercial partner. From January 1st, 2008, Tunisia was the first country of the southern Mediterranean shore to join the Free Trade Area of the European Union, opening hence the door of a market of more than 500 million consumers.

Tunisian exports to the European Union market experienced a remarkable evolution. Their share in total exports increased from 51% in 1976 to 73.8% in 2009. Industrial goods represent about 80% of total exports to the European Union.

Tunisia is the leading industrial exporter in the southern shore of the Mediterranean to the European Union according to the survey “National Industrial Strategy by 2016”, issued by Ernst & Young in 2008.

Ongoing integration of the Maghreb and Arab markets Tunisia‘s exports to Maghreb and Middle Eastern countries have tripled over the past five years rising from 815 million dinars in 2004 to 2,377 million dinars in 2009. This was possible thanks to: ■ preferential agreements with Maghreb and Arab countries, ■ bilateral agreements setting up free-trade zones with Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Iraq and Libya and governing trade with these countries, ■ a regional agreement signed in 1998 and establishing the Arab Free Trade Area, ■ the Agadir Free Trade Agreement signed in 2004 between Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.

Preferential access to several markets Tunisia is eligible for tariff reductions under the Generalized Preference System, mainly for manufactured, agricultural and handicraft products with the United States, Canada, Japan, Switzerland and Australia. It is also eligible for preferential access to markets in several African countries in the framework of bilateral agreements.

They said about Tunisia: “ARDIA in Tunisia represents one of the main R&D centers of our group ACTIA. This is a basis centralized in Tunisia to serve other subsidiaries of our group located in France and more widely in Europe, like Italy or England or even in the US and China. Today it is a great success in view of our development.” Cyril ROCHARD, General Manager of ARDIA, ACTIA GROUP

9 A knowledge-based society

A modern educational system By allocating ¼ of its budget, 6.9% and 1.19% of GDP respectively to education and R&D, Tunisia has continued to invest in its education system to meet the requirements of economy. Free and open to all, it is recognized among the best in the world. Tunisia is the country on the southern shore st of the Mediterranean and in Africa for: ■ the availability of scientists and engineers, ■ the quality of its scientific research institutions, Quality of the educational system 1 ■ the availability of latest technologies, Rank Country Score according to the Gobal 7 Belgium 5.6 Competitiveness Report 2009-2010, prepared by 19 Tunisia 4.9 the World Economic Forum 24 France 4.8 in Davos. 27 Germany 4.7 78 Spain 3.4 79 Turkey 3.4 87 Italy 3.3 112 Morocco 2.9 123 Egypt 2.6 (1= does not meet the needs of a competitive economy, 7= meets the needs of a competitive economy) Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010, Davos World Economic Forum

A large source of skilled labor at competitive costs Tunisia delivers on the job market a significant number of graduates whose skills and qualifications in technical fields are recognized internationally and at very competitive costs. At comparable levels of qualifications and skills, Tunisia offers competitive wage costs in proportions ranging from 1 to 5 compared to European countries.

An appropriate vocational training In 2009, the vocational training system in Tunisia included 212 public centers located throughout the country, providing training for 110,600 students and trainees in 451 fields of specialization covering all economic sectors.

A higher education of good quality The number of students in public higher education rose from 17,257 students in 1975 to 360,000 students in 2009. Female students accounted for 59.5% of the student body. More and more young people are majoring in computer and communications science, engineering and other technical curricula. The number of graduates in the different fields of specialization reached 60,613 in 2008 including 3,834 engineers.

According to the study “National Industrial Strategy by the year 2016”, prepared by Ernst & Young in 2008, Tunisia is the first country on the southern shore of the Mediterranean that annually trains more engineers and technicians per capita.

10 Skills in research and development Young graduates of engineering schools and training centers in Tunisia are prepared not only to meet the growing needs of skills in industry but also to work in partnership with businesses to develop innovation and research for the products of tomorrow.

Several international companies already have expertise centers in Tunisia: ST MICROELECTRONICS, ACTIA, ALCATEL, KROMBERG & SCHUBERT, SAGEM, and SIEMENS … employing hundreds of Tunisian engineers and executives.

Availability of scientists and engineers

Rank Country Score 9 Tunisia 5.4 11 France 5.3 17 Belgium 5.1 35 Germany 4.6 37 Spain 4.6 39 Italy 4.5 51 Turkey 4.4 53 Egypt 4.3 64 Morocco 4.2 (1= non-existent or rare, 7= widely available) Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010, Davos World Economic Forum

They said about Tunisia: “In Tunisia we have found engineers, technicians, managers and operators with sound basic training, able to quickly assimilate the group’s specialized work and the technical processes specific to our activity. The ratio of absenteeism is twice lower than the average in European countries. Thanks to the sense of discipline and of responsibility as well as to the great adaptability (flexibility and multi-skill) of our personnel, the group decided to expand its operations and its international development with Tunisia as a basis for its activities. The satisfaction of our customers in aeronautics and aerospace industries comforts us already in our choices.” Gaby LOPEZ, Chief Executive, ZODIAC AEROSPACE Tunisia

A policy fostering innovation and R&D During the last decade, governments have actively encouraged R&D activity. The national system of scientific research has evolved at a rapid pace. In 2008, Tunisia had 19,623 researchers, 146 laboratories and 640 research units. In 2009, the National Agency for Promotion of Research and Innovation was created.

Share of R&D expenditure in GDP In %

2001 0.53 2006 1.07 2011 1.25 They said about Tunisia: “Many people are not aware of the technology 2014 1.50 produced in Tunisia … Tunisians have great Ministry of Development and International Cooperation adaptability. They are multi task and we train them to be so. They have a sense of discipline but they also have an innate tendency for technology and they just love what we do.” Thomas WENDT, Chief Executive, EUROCAST 11 A dense and modern infrastructure

Road and rail infrastructure There are about 20,000 km of paved roads and 360 km of highways nationwide. The rail network is 2,167 km long and covers the entire territory. In 2008, the Tunisian railroad ensured the transport of 10.5 million tons of goods and of 39.2 million passengers.

Tunisia is the country from the south shore st of the Mediterranean and in Africa according to the Global Aviation and maritime infrastructure Competitiveness Report There are nine international airports with a total capacity of 19 million passengers 2009-2010, prepared by the per year: Tunis: , Monastir, Enfidha, Jerba, Sfax, Gafsa, Tozeur and Gabes. World Economic Forum in Davos and 35th of 134 countries, for All regions of Tunisia are served. 1 the quality of its infrastructure. There are seven commercial ports (, Rades, Bizerte, Sousse, Sfax, Gabes, Zarzis) as well as an oil terminal (Skhira). The construction of a new deepwater port at Enfidha is in progress.

Country Quality of air transport infrastructure Quality of port infrastructure Rank Score Rank Score Germany 4 6.6 5 6.4 France 9 6.3 10 5.9 Belgium 14 6.2 6 6.3 Tunisia 30 5.8 41 4.9 Spain 37 5.5 33 5.2 Egypt 44 5.3 57 4.3 Turkey 54 5.1 78 3.7 Morocco 70 4.7 62 4.2 Italy 85 4.1 83 3.7

(1= infrequent, limited and inefficient, 7= as frequent, extensive, and efficient as the world’s best) Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010, Davos World Economic Forum

Communications infrastructure In Tunisia, the sector of communication technologies is one of the most dynamic sectors and has one of the highest growth rates (15% in 2009). It enjoys a significant investment of 6.3 billion dinars for the period 2007-2011 compared to only 430 million dinars duringthe 1992-1996 period. There are all kinds of networks in Tunisia, so foreign companies can set up communication links to virtually everywhere in the world at low cost.

High performance, multiplicity and the availability of systems and facilities for telecommunications transmission are based on: ■ Pair gain system ■ LS, ADSL ■ Pleysychrone, SDH systems ■ VSAT ■ WLL ■ MOBIRIF (Rural network based on MGS technology) ■ ISDN, ATM, Frame Relay, X25 ■ GFA, WIFI, GPS.

12 Tunisia is the first country in the southern Mediterranean area and in Africa and 39th out of 133 countries according to the index “Networked Readiness Index” published by the Global Information Technology Report 2009-2010.

The Networked Readiness Index “NRI” 2009-2010

Rank Country Score 14 Germany 5.16 18 France 4.99 22 Belgium 4.86 34 Spain 4.37 39 Tunisia 4.22 48 Italy 3.97 69 Turkey 3.68 70 Egypt 3.67 88 Morocco 3.43 The Global Information Technology Report, 2009-2010, Davos World Economic Forum

Energy infrastructure Tunisia has a production base that is diversified and divided into 23 production units (gas turbines, steam turbines, combined cycle, hydro, and wind) with an installed capacity of about 3,314 MW. In order to protect the environment by promoting the production of green kilowatt-hour, Tunisia has integrated wind technology in its production choices. A first power plant of 55 MW is already operational and a further extension of the same power is being finalized. A second power plant of 20 MW is under construction.

Bizerte

Technological infrastructure Ariana Jendouba Beja Borj Cedria Tunisia currently has: ■ eight operational technology centers and two centers under construction, El Kef Zaghouan ■ eleven cyberparks spread over several areas covering various fields of expertise. Siliana Sousse Monastir The mid-term objective is that each governorate is granted a science park. Kairouan Kasserine Sfax Industrial zones and economic activity parks Gafsa Tunisia has hundreds of industrial zones throughout the country 83 of which were created by the Industrial Land Agency covering a total area of 2,500 hectares. The 11th economic development plan (2007-2011) provides for the achievement of Mednine 31 industrial zones covering 650 ha to reach a total area of 4,500 ha in 2011.

There are also two high-level operational economic activity parks: Bizerte and Zarzis-Jerba. The Bizerte park is located at the city’s port (just 60 km from Tunis airport) and the Zarzis park is located just half an hour from Jerba airport. Operational technology centers Technology centers under construction Cyberparks

They said about Tunisia: “Thanks to the industrial infrastructure in Tunisia, we were able to establish within 5 years a competitive foundry employing now hundreds of people. When started we made an initial investment of 7 million Euros, and today, we are banking on a turnover of 15 million Euros.” Matthew PASQUALOTTO, CEO of SAFAS

13 A favorable business environment

A stable country Tunisia is blessed with sound economic and social stability, as reflected in a number of indicators. Tunisia is the country on the st southern shore of the Mediterranean and in Africa, according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010 issued by the Davos 1 World Economic Human Development Index 0.769 Forum and is 7th out Purchasing Power Parity $ 7,900 of 133 countries in Poverty rate 3.8% terms of regulations encouraging FDIs. Women’s activity rate 25.4%

Free investment Investment is free for Tunisian citizens and foreigners in most sectors. In general, a foreign investor can hold up to 100% of capital in a given initiative without having to obtain authorization.

Major investment incentives The investment incentives law offers many advantages

Tax incentives Total exemption from income tax: ■ for ten years for export revenues and agricultural projects, ■ and for five or ten years, for projects located in regional development zones, according to the priority of the zone. Grants Investment bonuses equal to: 8, 15, or 25% of project costs and capped between 0.320 to 1 million Tunisian dinars, according to the priority of the zone, in areas of regional development and 7% for agricultural projects.

State subsidy of employer’s contributions ■ Partial from 100% to 20% for 5 years for the jobs created in the first group of regional development. ■ Total for 5 years for the jobs created in the second group of Regional Development. ■ Total for 5 years and then partial (80% to 20%) for 5 additional years for jobs created in priority regional development zones.

State subsidy of infrastructure spending For projects in areas of regional development 25, 50 or 75% of the total cost of the infrastructure according to the priority of the zone.

Additional incentives can be awarded for investments that are of particular interest for the economy or for areas along the border.

14 Simplified procedures for creating a business The procedures for setting up a business are simple and can be done at the one stop shop of the Agency for the Promotion of Industry “API”(Tunis, Sfax, Sousse, Nabeul, Gafsa, Gabes and Beja) which gather all the involved administrative authorities and also online via the website www.webentcreation.tunisieindustrie.nat.tn (projects’ declaration and companies’legal incorporation).

Employers-employees relationships: agreement and consensus The relationship between management and employees in Tunisia is not confrontational and is governed through consensus under a regulatory framework. Salaries are reviewed every three years as part of negotiations between the social partners.

Cooperation in labor–employer

Rank Country Score 24 Germany 5.0 29 Tunisia 5.0 46 Egypt 4.6 73 Belgium 4.3 86 Spain 4.2 107 Morocco 3.9 115 Turkey 3.8 123 Italy 3.5 126 France 3.5 (1= generally confrontational, 7= generally cooperative) Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010, Davos World Economic Forum

Competitive production costs The salaries of engineers, technicians and workers are very competitive. Their evolution remains moderate thanks to a relatively stable exchange rate and to the control of the inflation rate. The Guaranteed Minimum Professional Wage “SMIG” is about 120 Euros. In addition to extremely attractive labor costs, the other costs of production factors are competitive.

Average sales price index exclusive of tax on gas and electricity for industrial usage Tunisia = base 100

Country Electricity cost Natural gas cost 500 kw - 2,000 MWh/year 239 - 2,390 toe/year Tunisia 100 100 France 113 317 Portugal 152 319 Greece 166 - Germany 171 353 Belgium 180 284 Spain 192 284 Italy - 331 EUROSTAT, 1st term 2009

They said about Tunisia: “Tunisia affords one of the best environments for doing business. If our companies have chosen to invest here, it is because this country is a natural and reliable partner. The country invested heavily in its international credibility and now, thanks to its requirements in terms of performance, it opens a strategic path for our SMEs.” Roberto ZUCCATO, President of CONFINDUSTRIA VICENZA

15 An attractive site for investment

A boom in foreign investments Tunisia continues to be an attractive option for foreign investment. In 2009, foreign investment flows represented 13.7% of Tunisian productive investment, 4% of the GDP, 37% of foreign capital inflows and 26% of new jobs each year are made possible through FDI. Tunisia is the country from the south st shore of the Mediterranean which attracts more companies as reported by the survey “National Industrial Strategy by 2016”, prepared by FDI flows as a percentage of gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) in 2008 1 Ernst&Young in 2008. In %

Italy 3.5

Germany 3.6

Morocco 9.1

Turkey 12.3

Spain 13.9

France 18.8

Tunisia 27.0

Egypt 29.2 World Investment Report, UNCTAD, 2009

The results achieved during the year 2009 in the mobilization of foreign investment are satisfactory. The amount of foreign investment reached 2,357 million dinars compared to 1,088.2 million dinars in 2005.The flow of FDI in the manufacturing sector is predominant. It had more than doubled over the last five years, from 375 million dinars in 2005 to 772 million dinars in 2009.

By the end of 2009, 3,069 foreign or mixed firms were operational in Tunisia employing 314,299 people compared to respectively 455 firms and 59,932 employees in 1987.

Breakdown of FDI in 2009 In %

Manufacturing industries 33.9 Tourism & estate Agriculture 54.1 Services & others 3.8 Energy 7.5 0.7

FIPA-Tunisia, 2010

16 Success stories AEROLIA, ACTIA, AKZO NOBEL, AIR LIQUIDE, ALCATEL, ALUTHEA, ANJOU ÉLECTRONIQUE, ASTEEL, AUTOLIV, AVENTIS SANOFI, BANCO DE SANTANDER, BAXTER, BENETTON, BG, BNP, BOSCH, CARREFOUR, CASCO, COFIDUR, COS, CROWN CORK, DANONE, DEFONTAINE, DRÄXLMAIER, ELECTROLUX, EUROCAST, ESSO, FAURECIA, FRAM, GÉANT, GENERAL ELECTRIC, GM, GROUPE BPCE, GRUNER, HAIER, HEINRICH KOPP, HENKEL, HUTCHINSON, ISUZU, ITOCHU CORPORATION, JAL GROUP, JOHNSON CONTROLS, KASCHKE, KBE ELEKTROTECHNIK, KROMBERG & SCHUBERT, LACROIX ELECTRONIQUE, LATÉCOÈRE, LEAR CORPORATION, LG, LEONI, LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES, MARZOTTO, MECAHERS, MENTOR, MICROSOFT, MIROGLIO, NESTLÉ, NIGGELER, ORANGE, ORASCOM, PFIZER, PHILIPS, PHOENIX, PIRELLI, RIEKER, SAFAS, SAFRAN, SCANIA, SEWON, SIEMENS, SIOEN, SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE, SOMFY, ST MICROELECTRONICS, STREAM, SUMITOMO, SYLVANIA,TÉLÉPERFORMANCE, THOMSON MULTIMEDIA, TOTAL, TOYOTA TSUSHO, UNILEVER, VALEO, VAN DE VELDE, VAN LAACK, VEGE MOTOR, VOLVO, YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS, YAZAKI, YURA CORPORATION, ZODIAC, 3 SUISSES …

Mechanical, electrical and electronics industry: an expanding sector Foreign direct investment is increasingly oriented towards technology intensive activities. Indeed, FDIs in mechanical, electrical and electronics industry experienced a particular dynamics, which made it namely possible for this sector to perform better than the textile sector in the last three years.

Progress of the mechanical & electrical and textile activities’ share in the manufacturing industries In %

Year Mechanics, electricity and electronics Textile and clothing 2000 5.2 13.6 2007 30.6 18.6 2008 15.9 7.9 2009 27.1 12.8

FIPA-Tunisia, 2010

European Union: primary investor France, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium are the main investors in Tunisia.

Breakdown of companies with foreign participation by country of origin in 2009 In %

4.3 4.5

7.7 EU countries

8.6 Arab countries 74.9 North American countries Asian countries Other countries

FIPA-Tunisia, 2010

They said about Tunisia: “I started with industrial activities, but within less than two years, we switched to aeronautical activities. Today we intend to manufacture products for major aircraft equipment manufacturers in Europe and elsewhere. In the coming years, we will increase our activity by over 50%.” René MERLE, Chief Executive, LACROIX ELECTRONIQUE 17 A country where you can enjoy life

Most pleasant living conditions In Tunisia, the conditions of life are most enjoyable and in some respects similar to those of Southern Europe. Tunisia is the Arab country and in the st southern shore of the Mediterranean where it is most “pleasant to live” according to the 2010 ranking released by “International Living”, an observer of quality ■ Residential areas with modern luxury housing at reasonable cost. 1 of life in the world. ■ Many shopping malls and hypermarkets (CARREFOUR, CARREFOUR MARKET, GÉANT, BRICORAMA). ■ Foreign schools (French, American). ■ High level medical benefits with a network of modern and specialized clinics. ■ A variety of sporting activities with a highly developed sports infrastructure. ■ Multiple amusement and leisure parks, located in both tourist areas and outside these areas. ■ Numerous international festivals: the film festival, the Jazz Festival in Tabarka, the symphonic music of El Jem Coliseum, the festivals of Carthage and Hammamet, the Sahara Festival in … Tunisia is a country that perfectly combines tradition and modernity. The personality of the Tunisian is imbued with tolerance, hospitality, an unwavering joie de vivre and a strong determination to succeed.

A long tradition of tourism True international metropolis, seven million tourists a year choose Tunisia as the destination for their holidays, their professional meetings, or to participate in international events as well as numerous symposiums and conferences.

Attitude of the population towards foreign visitors

Rank Country Score 19 Belgium 6.7 20 Tunisia 6.7 They said about Tunisia: 42 Turkey 6.6 “It is a country where life is good and where 53 Spain 6.5 modernity is available to everyone. So there is no 54 Egypt 6.5 problem for a European to spend his life in Tunisia.” 67 Germany 6.5 Gaby LOPEZ, Chief Executive, ZODIAC AEROSPACE Tunisia 71 France 6.4 78 Italy 6.3 “In this small country of the Mediterranean we find 90 Morocco 6.3 all the conveniences of modern life in an atmosphere

(1= unfriendly population, 7= welcoming population) imbued with the particularly warm hospitality of the The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2009, Davos World Economic Forum people of Tunisia.” Thomas WENDT, Chief Executive, EUROCAST

18 Tunisia is the first tourism destination in the south Mediterranean, and 44th in the world according to “Travel and Tourism Competitiveness 2009” Report, prepared by the Davos World Economic Forum.

A cost of living of the most affordable The Tunisian capital and its residential suburbs provide a rare quality of life in Africa. Yet, contrary to appearances, life is cheaper there than elsewhere. In fact, Tunisia is ranked among the cheapest cities in the world. It ranks 134th out of 143 in the ranking of most expensive cities by Mercer Human Resource in 2009.

A protected environment In Tunisia, the protection of the environment is a full-fledged policy. In fact, Tunisia has been since the early 90s, one of the first Arab and African countries to develop coherent programs of environmental protection. Today, it spends more than 1.2% of its GDP on investment in environmental protection and sustainable development.

Tunisia is committed to work out a balance between the requirements of economic growth and competitiveness of its companies and the obligation to protect the environment and conservation natural resources. This has resulted in a necessary mastery of involved technology and the strengthening of Tunisian competencies in leading edge sectors which are the most environmentally friendly.

Its commitment to natural resource protection and to the preservation of citizens’ quality of life has been widely recognized. Recent studies have shown that the costs of environmental degradation do not exceed 2.1% of GDP, which is still very close to the values observed in developed countries.

Quality of natural environment

Rank Country Score 18 Germany 5.6 28 Tunisia 5.2 32 France 5.2 69 Spain 4.5 84 Belgium 4.3 87 Italy 4.2 101 Morocco 3.9 116 Turkey 3.6 131 Egypt 2.6

(1= with highest pollution level in the world, 7= with lowest pollution level in the world) The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2009, Davos World Economic Forum

Besides, Tunisia has joined more than thirty international agreements related to environmental issues such as marine environmental protection, reduction of the hole in the ozone layer, the fight against desertification, the conservation of outstanding natural and historic heritage...

They said about Tunisia: “Tunisia has the necessary assets to participate in the industrial use of renewable energy. First of all because it has sun and space; two necessary natural conditions, and second, because it is close to Europe, it is possible to export this green energy to Europe. It is this activity that we will focus on during the coming 20 to 40 years.” René BUCHLER, Chief Executive Officer, SIEMENS Tunisia

19 FIPA – Tunisia

The Foreign Investment Promotion Agency “FIPA-Tunisia” is a national structure created in 1995 under the authority of the Ministry of Development and International Cooperation. It is mandated to provide the support required by foreign investors and to promote foreign investment in Tunisia.

FIPA-Tunisia and its offices abroad form a comprehensive network: ■ information on investment opportunities in Tunisia and the main reasons why Tunisia is such an attractive site for FDI. All relevant information about the Tunisian economy, human resources, infrastructure and investment incentives are presented in a wide range of documentation in a number of languages, ■ contacts in Tunis or abroad, thanks to preliminary exploratory work and targeted contacts that meet investors’ needs. Our approach being to present the Tunisian offer the most satisfactory one for firms in search of internationalization, ■ advice on the conditions that will contribute to the success of initiatives, the best locations, various investment systems, financing means, ■ accompanying the investor on exploratory visits to Tunisia and throughout the various implementation phases of the initiative. FIPA staff draws up programs for meetings with Tunisian institutions and companies in the relevant sector or areas of investor interest, ■ support to improve the sustainability of a company, through personalized monitoring and ongoing assistance with ministerial departments and structures and regional authorities.

FIPA-Tunisia has offices in:

Tunis London Paris Rue Salaheddine El Ammami 63-66 Hatton Garden 8, rue de la Bienfaisance Centre Urbain Nord London EC1N 8LE 75008 Paris 1004 Tunis Tel.: (44-207) 430 13 15 Tel.: (33-1) 45 22 68 57 Tel.: (216-71) 75 25 40 Fax: (44-207) 430 14 00 Fax: (33-1) 45 22 68 53 Fax: (216-71) 23 14 00 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] www.investintunisia.tn

Brussels Madrid 31/33, rue Montoyer, Bte 4 Avenida Alfonso XIII, 68 1000 Bruxelles Madrid-28016, España FIPA-Tunisia has Tel.: (32-2) 512 93 27 Tel.: (34-91) 510 48 47 Fax: (32-2) 511 17 57 Fax: (34-91) 510 48 95 been certified ISO E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] 9001 since 2003

Cologne Milan Hohenstaufenring 44-46 Via M. Gonzaga, 5 50674 Köln (Piazza Missori) Tel.: (49-221) 240 33 46 • 240 33 47 20123 Milano Fax: (49-221) 240 34 46 Tel.: (39-02) 80 92 97 • 80 92 98 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (39-02) 80 93 53 E-mail: [email protected]

20 Ministry ofDevelopment andInternational Cooperation Foreign Investment PromotionTunisia" Agency"FIPA Tel.: (216-71) 752 540 -Fax: (216-71) 231 400 Centre Urbain Nord -1004 Tunis E-mail: [email protected] Rue Slaheddine El Ammami www.investintunisia.tn

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