In Tunisia Information Communication

A favorable FIPA–Tunisia, your partner for success environment 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. Technological trends in terms of communications infrastructure. A suitable regulatory framework FIPA-Tunisia has been certificated ISO 9001 since 2003, it is mandated to provide the support required by The Tunisian telecommunications network is actually among the most modern in the foreign investors and to promote foreign investment in Tunisia. Information • A telecommunications code. Mediterranean basin, with high speed multifunction switches ensuring at the same FIPA-Tunisia and its offices abroad form a comprehensive network: • Legislation governing e-commerce and e-signature. and time voice, internet and multimedia traffic. information on investment opportunities in Tunisia and the main reasons why Tunisia is such an attractive communication • Legislation on high technology and multipurpose It is also composed of two international gateways, of connections by submarine site for FDI. All relevant information about the Tunisian economy, human resources, infrastructure and complexes. cable, by digital spatial links. Projects of satellite telecommunication such as the investment incentives are presented in a wide range of documentation in a number of languages, • Legislation on computer security. Thouraya scheme in the Arab world, the RASCOM project in the African continent contacts in Tunis or abroad, thanks to preliminary exploratory work and targeted contacts that meet • Protection of copyrights. in Tunisia and SEAMEWE4 project at an international level all aim at providing Tunisia with a investors’ needs. Our approach being to present the Tunisian offer the most satisfactory one for firms • Protection of personal data guaranteed by the total connectivity. in search of internationalization, Constitution. advice on the conditions that will contribute to the success of initiatives, the best locations, various • The creation of the Digital Economy Regulatory A digital oriented culture all over the Tunisian territory, with a fully digitalized investment systems, financing means…, Board. network, an internet network covering 100 % of the country, an international internet accompanying the investor on exploratory visits to Tunisia and throughout the various implementation • A regulatory and technical framework for telephone band width reaching 17.5 GB/s. phases of the initiative. FIPA staff draws up programs for meetings with Tunisian institutions and services using VoIP. This performance is confirmed by the latest edition of the Global Information companies in the relevant sector or areas of investor interest, Technology Report 2008-2009. support to improve the sustainability of a company, through personalized monitoring and ongoing assistance with ministerial departments and structures and regional authorities.

The Networked Readiness Index “NRI” 2008-2009 A suitable training policy and an extensive network of high level national university institutions. Rank Country Score More than 50,000 students are in higher and technical 19 France 5.17 education in one of the branches of ICT in Tunisia. There 24 Belgium 5.02 are also specialized private institutions in state-of-the-art has offices in: 38 Tunisia 4.34 research related to ICT production. Actually, Tunisia has 45 Italy 4.16 a number of institutions of higher education that train 61 Turkey 3.91 engineers in the field of ICT. Tunis London 76 Egypt 3.76 Rue Salaheddine El Ammami 63-66 Hatton Garden 86 Morocco 3.59 Geographic and cultural proximity to countries on Centre Urbain Nord London EC1N 8LE The Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009, World Economic Forum the northern rim of the Mediterranean and mastery 1004 Tunis Tel.: (44-207) 430 13 15 of foreign languages. Tel.: (216-71) 75 25 40 Fax: (44-207) 430 14 00 Thanks to its geostrategic location, Tunisia’s culture is Fax: (216-71) 23 14 00 E-mail: [email protected] similar to that of western countries and its people readily E-mail: [email protected] Investment incentives speak a number of foreign languages: French, English, www.investintunisia.tn Madrid German, Italian, Spanish… Avenida Alfonso XIII, 68 • Total exemption from tax on profits for the first ten years for wholly exporting Brussels Madrid-28016, España companies, then at a reduced tax rate of just 10% starting the 11th year for Growing interest of foreign investors. Over the past 31/33, rue Montoyer, Bte 4 Tel.: (34-91) 510 48 47 an unlimited period. few years, a number of companies and large foreign 1000 Bruxelles Fax: (34-91) 510 48 95 • Total exemption from duty and levies on import of equipment required for the groups have chosen Tunisia as a site for developing their Tel.: (32-2) 512 93 27 E-mail: [email protected] activity of wholly exporting companies. activities. These include: Fax: (32-2) 511 17 57 • Suspension of VAT on local acquisition of equipment necessary for the activity E-mail: [email protected] Milan of wholly exporting companies. 71 86 12 19 SERVICED 3 SUISSES, ADP, ALCATEL-LUCENT, BULL, CISCO, Via M. Gonzaga, 5 (Piazza Missori) • Assumption of up to 25% of the cost of continuous training in the framework COLUMBUS IT, CRUPPO COS, DIVONA TELECOM, Cologne 20123 Milano of encouraging mastery of technology, up to a ceiling of TND 250,000. ERICSSON, GENSYM, GL TRADE, HAYS, HR ACCESS, Hohenstaufenring 44-46 Tel.: (39-02) 80 92 97 • 80 92 98 • Exemption from taxes on profits at a prorata of turnover from export for HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES, MEZZO, MICROSOFT, 50674 Köln Fax: (39-02) 80 93 53 partially exporting companies. SAFRAN, SELLBYTEL, SIEMENS, SOPRA, Tel.: (49-221) 240 33 46 • 240 33 47 E-mail: [email protected] • Assumption by the State of the employer’s contribution to the legally-constituted ST MICROELECTRONICS, STERIA, STONE SOFT, Fax: (49-221) 240 34 46 social security system for a period of seven years on a digressive basis for STREAM, TELEPERFORMANCE, TRANSCOM, ZTE... E-mail: [email protected] Paris recruitment of graduates of higher education. 2009 8, rue de la Bienfaisance 75008 Paris Tel.: (33-1) 45 22 68 57 Fax: (33-1) 45 22 68 53 E-mail: [email protected] Invest in Tunisia A sector Tunisia has a large number of young graduates with skills and qualifications in various branches that meet the needs of businesses. In 2008 Tunisian ICT firms offer big flexibility, competitiveness and responsiveness in foreign markets. Most of them are there were more than 9,500 graduates holding degrees in computer sciences and communications, compared to 1,769 in 2002. certified by ISO 9000 quality standards, and standard IT certifications (Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, HP, SUN ...) as well as specific with a good track record certifications in ICT such as ITIL, CMMI... They have mastered the most recent technologies. Conscious of the ongoing computerization revolution in the modern world Trends in the number of students registered in ICT training courses “There are high level companies in Tunisia capable of and the importance of new information and communication technologies in Their areas of expertise are: developing very high performance computer systems. It improving socio-economic performance in countries throughout the world, ICT sector in figures Academic year Number of students • offshore development of new technologies for international clients, has not been necessary to train staff; we simply combine Tunisia has over the last two decades opted for a policy of valorization • More than 1,800 private firms. 2001-2002 10,645 • banks, insurance and trade solutions, our various skills. Certain activities are handled through co- of information. It has successfully carried out all the reforms required to • 219 shared service centers employing 17,500 2002-2003 23,817 • ERP, SCM solutions and services to companies, contracting, for example development of high level computer become a full-fledged knowledge-based society. people. 2003-2004 30,565 • CRM, business intelligence, solutions for storing documents and services, applications.”

• From 3,000 to 4,000 jobs created every year. 2004-2005 33,635 • solutions and software for management and services, Thanks to its strategic choices and targeted action plans, it has positioned Marc ROSSI, • 12 Internet service providers (ISP) serving the entire 2005-2006 37,372 • solutions for fixed systems, itself as a leading country in this field. President Director General, CYBERG SYSTEMS country. 2006-2007 41,122 • integration of information or communication systems, • 8 development centers serving multinationals. 2007-2008 45,400 • integration of real time and embedded systems, Communication technologies is a priority sector in Tunisia. It is one of • A telephone density of 98.8 lines per 100 inhabitants. 2008-2009 50,491 • real time industrial systems, the most dynamic sectors, with one of the highest growth rates (15% in • Over 3 million internet users with an annual growth • fleet and navigational system management, 2009). It has undergone notable expansion currently contributing for 10% Ministry of Higher Education of 38%. • telecommunications systems: tailored developments, added value services, billing, installation, networks, to the GDP as against only 2.5% in 2002 and by 9% to job creation across • 184 firms of certified auditors in the field of computer Tunisian engineers are known for their international level skills. Tunisian developers have acquired know-how that can be exported to • e-business, e-commerce, e-learning, e-government, the entire country. security. various regions of the world. This includes: • management of information systems, IT systems & software…, • 9 cyber parks spread over several regions of the • solutions and services for tourism, It has benefited from the high level of investment, amounting to some country. • design, prototyping, programming, testing and project management …, • all kinds of tailored developments for the public sector (electricity, gas transport…), 6.3 billion dinars over the period 2007-2011 vs. just 430 million dinars • technical fields: .Net, Java/J2EE, IBM, Oracle and Microsoft system software, embedded electronic systems, telecommunications • offshore computer services, over the period 1992-1996. Such strong growth is attributable to better programming systems, • call centers serving the local market and clients abroad. infrastructure, especially telecommunications infrastructure, involving active • standard concepts: ERP, BI, CRM, HR, global banking, embedded software, e-business, e-learning…, and motivated participation by private companies operating in this field. • functional fields: logistic chain, finance, management, banks, telecommunications…, • sectors: services, banks, administration, industry, distribution, retail trade, life sciences, energy and utilities, tourism… Tunisia has a communications technology complex, El Ghazala, located in the nearby suburbs of Tunis. Its very modern infrastructure meets the needs of companies in specialized new information and communication technology sectors. This complex presents an innovative environment based on creative intelligence and high “Our subsidiary has well developed since it was set up in 1990. technology. It has also helped in creating synergy between education, research and industry. Extension works Our Tunisian colleagues have excellent qualifications thanks to their are in progress to provide this city of 100,000 m² with additional outfitted areas. The latest edition of the Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009 published studies in Germany and they are very committed and flexible, which by the Davos Economic Forum revealed that Tunisia is ranked 1st in Africa and 38th is absolutely necessary in this field. Another technopole in Sfax, the second most important city for Tunisia’s economy, is devoted to computer issues and multimedia, out of 134 countries according to the Networked Readiness Index indicators. This The services sector in Tunisia offers an excellent opportunity for a presenting an opportunity for foreign investment. Training and scientific research are also present through a number of institutes index measures the degree of preparedness of a nation to participate in and benefit company of our size: skilled staff at competitive costs, good means and a computerization and multimedia research center. from ICT developments. Tunisia is well ahead of many European countries like Italy, of communication and ideal working conditions. Our experience in Greece and Poland and Asian countries like China and India. Tunisia has been very positive.” In order to diversify locations for ICT throughout the country and encourage more foreign investment, Tunisia has established nine cyber parks: in Kef, in Siliana, in Monastir, in Kasserine, in Gafsa, in Kairouan, in Tataouine, in Zaghouan René BUCHLER, and in Sousse, while others are underway in other regions of the country. Above and beyond activities to develop software and President Director General, SIEMENS remote services, these cyber parks are home to call centers. They offer functional space with equipment and high performance communications networks for computer service promoters and remote work services oriented toward economic and administrative of ICT structures, both local and external. Tunisia is a country that posts one of the best quality/price ratios in terms of human resources. Several European and even American groups, specializing namely in ICT business with high employability level and in the development of computer Annual salary of a computer engineer and telecommunication software such as ST MICROELECTRONICS, In 1,000 Euros ALCATEL, SAGEM, STREAM, HR ACCESS, ARCHIMED GROUP, SIEMENS, HUAWEI, CISCO … have already trusted the Tunisian site and benefited Country Beginner engineer Experienced engineer from its technological basis by installing production and development facilities of which activities in Tunisia are related with research, engineering Tunisia 8 18 and other high-end operations. There are various reasons for their Morocco 14 24 establishment in the country. Hungary 11 28 Italy 33 39 France 34 61

Tunisian dinar (TND) 1= Euro 0.532 = USD 0.741 (average 2009) Study “Knowledge Economy and attractiveness of Tunisia in the field of FDI” Ernst &Y oung, 2007 A sector Tunisia has a large number of young graduates with skills and qualifications in various branches that meet the needs of businesses. In 2008 Tunisian ICT firms offer big flexibility, competitiveness and responsiveness in foreign markets. Most of them are there were more than 9,500 graduates holding degrees in computer sciences and communications, compared to 1,769 in 2002. certified by ISO 9000 quality standards, and standard IT certifications (Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, HP, SUN ...) as well as specific with a good track record certifications in ICT such as ITIL, CMMI... They have mastered the most recent technologies. Conscious of the ongoing computerization revolution in the modern world Trends in the number of students registered in ICT training courses “There are high level companies in Tunisia capable of and the importance of new information and communication technologies in Their areas of expertise are: developing very high performance computer systems. It improving socio-economic performance in countries throughout the world, ICT sector in figures Academic year Number of students • offshore development of new technologies for international clients, has not been necessary to train staff; we simply combine Tunisia has over the last two decades opted for a policy of valorization • More than 1,800 private firms. 2001-2002 10,645 • banks, insurance and trade solutions, our various skills. Certain activities are handled through co- of information. It has successfully carried out all the reforms required to • 219 shared service centers employing 17,500 2002-2003 23,817 • ERP, SCM solutions and services to companies, contracting, for example development of high level computer become a full-fledged knowledge-based society. people. 2003-2004 30,565 • CRM, business intelligence, solutions for storing documents and services, applications.”

Tunisian dinar (TND) 1= Euro 0.532 = USD 0.741 (average 2009) Study “Knowledge Economy and attractiveness of Tunisia in the field of FDI” Ernst &Y oung, 2007 A favorable FIPA–Tunisia, your partner for success environment 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. Technological trends in terms of communications infrastructure. A suitable regulatory framework FIPA-Tunisia has been certificated ISO 9001 since 2003, it is mandated to provide the support required by The Tunisian telecommunications network is actually among the most modern in the foreign investors and to promote foreign investment in Tunisia. Information • A telecommunications code. Mediterranean basin, with high speed multifunction switches ensuring at the same FIPA-Tunisia and its offices abroad form a comprehensive network: • Legislation governing e-commerce and e-signature. and time voice, internet and multimedia traffic. information on investment opportunities in Tunisia and the main reasons why Tunisia is such an attractive communication • Legislation on high technology and multipurpose It is also composed of two international gateways, of connections by submarine site for FDI. All relevant information about the Tunisian economy, human resources, infrastructure and complexes. cable, by digital spatial links. Projects of satellite telecommunication such as the investment incentives are presented in a wide range of documentation in a number of languages, • Legislation on computer security. Thouraya scheme in the Arab world, the RASCOM project in the African continent contacts in Tunis or abroad, thanks to preliminary exploratory work and targeted contacts that meet • Protection of copyrights. in Tunisia and SEAMEWE4 project at an international level all aim at providing Tunisia with a investors’ needs. Our approach being to present the Tunisian offer the most satisfactory one for firms • Protection of personal data guaranteed by the total connectivity. in search of internationalization, Constitution. advice on the conditions that will contribute to the success of initiatives, the best locations, various • The creation of the Digital Economy Regulatory A digital oriented culture all over the Tunisian territory, with a fully digitalized investment systems, financing means…, Board. network, an internet network covering 100 % of the country, an international internet accompanying the investor on exploratory visits to Tunisia and throughout the various implementation • A regulatory and technical framework for telephone band width reaching 17.5 GB/s. phases of the initiative. FIPA staff draws up programs for meetings with Tunisian institutions and services using VoIP. This performance is confirmed by the latest edition of the Global Information companies in the relevant sector or areas of investor interest, Technology Report 2008-2009. support to improve the sustainability of a company, through personalized monitoring and ongoing assistance with ministerial departments and structures and regional authorities.

The Networked Readiness Index “NRI” 2008-2009 A suitable training policy and an extensive network of high level national university institutions. Rank Country Score More than 50,000 students are in higher and technical 19 France 5.17 education in one of the branches of ICT in Tunisia. There 24 Belgium 5.02 are also specialized private institutions in state-of-the-art has offices in: 38 Tunisia 4.34 research related to ICT production. Actually, Tunisia has 45 Italy 4.16 a number of institutions of higher education that train 61 Turkey 3.91 engineers in the field of ICT. Tunis London 76 Egypt 3.76 Rue Salaheddine El Ammami 63-66 Hatton Garden 86 Morocco 3.59 Geographic and cultural proximity to countries on Centre Urbain Nord London EC1N 8LE The Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009, World Economic Forum the northern rim of the Mediterranean and mastery 1004 Tunis Tel.: (44-207) 430 13 15 of foreign languages. Tel.: (216-71) 75 25 40 Fax: (44-207) 430 14 00 Thanks to its geostrategic location, Tunisia’s culture is Fax: (216-71) 23 14 00 E-mail: [email protected] similar to that of western countries and its people readily E-mail: [email protected] Investment incentives speak a number of foreign languages: French, English, www.investintunisia.tn Madrid German, Italian, Spanish… Avenida Alfonso XIII, 68 • Total exemption from tax on profits for the first ten years for wholly exporting Brussels Madrid-28016, España companies, then at a reduced tax rate of just 10% starting the 11th year for Growing interest of foreign investors. Over the past 31/33, rue Montoyer, Bte 4 Tel.: (34-91) 510 48 47 an unlimited period. few years, a number of companies and large foreign 1000 Bruxelles Fax: (34-91) 510 48 95 • Total exemption from duty and levies on import of equipment required for the groups have chosen Tunisia as a site for developing their Tel.: (32-2) 512 93 27 E-mail: [email protected] activity of wholly exporting companies. activities. These include: Fax: (32-2) 511 17 57 • Suspension of VAT on local acquisition of equipment necessary for the activity E-mail: [email protected] Milan of wholly exporting companies. 71 86 12 19 SERVICED 3 SUISSES, ADP, ALCATEL-LUCENT, BULL, CISCO, Via M. Gonzaga, 5 (Piazza Missori) • Assumption of up to 25% of the cost of continuous training in the framework COLUMBUS IT, CRUPPO COS, DIVONA TELECOM, Cologne 20123 Milano of encouraging mastery of technology, up to a ceiling of TND 250,000. ERICSSON, GENSYM, GL TRADE, HAYS, HR ACCESS, Hohenstaufenring 44-46 Tel.: (39-02) 80 92 97 • 80 92 98 • Exemption from taxes on profits at a prorata of turnover from export for HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES, MEZZO, MICROSOFT, 50674 Köln Fax: (39-02) 80 93 53 partially exporting companies. SAFRAN, SELLBYTEL, SIEMENS, SOPRA, Tel.: (49-221) 240 33 46 • 240 33 47 E-mail: [email protected] • Assumption by the State of the employer’s contribution to the legally-constituted ST MICROELECTRONICS, STERIA, STONE SOFT, Fax: (49-221) 240 34 46 social security system for a period of seven years on a digressive basis for STREAM, TELEPERFORMANCE, TRANSCOM, ZTE... E-mail: [email protected] Paris recruitment of graduates of higher education. 2009 8, rue de la Bienfaisance 75008 Paris Tel.: (33-1) 45 22 68 57 Fax: (33-1) 45 22 68 53 E-mail: [email protected] Invest in Tunisia A favorable FIPA–Tunisia, your partner for success environment 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. Technological trends in terms of communications infrastructure. A suitable regulatory framework FIPA-Tunisia has been certificated ISO 9001 since 2003, it is mandated to provide the support required by The Tunisian telecommunications network is actually among the most modern in the foreign investors and to promote foreign investment in Tunisia. Information • A telecommunications code. Mediterranean basin, with high speed multifunction switches ensuring at the same FIPA-Tunisia and its offices abroad form a comprehensive network: • Legislation governing e-commerce and e-signature. and time voice, internet and multimedia traffic. information on investment opportunities in Tunisia and the main reasons why Tunisia is such an attractive communication • Legislation on high technology and multipurpose It is also composed of two international gateways, of connections by submarine site for FDI. All relevant information about the Tunisian economy, human resources, infrastructure and complexes. cable, by digital spatial links. Projects of satellite telecommunication such as the investment incentives are presented in a wide range of documentation in a number of languages, • Legislation on computer security. Thouraya scheme in the Arab world, the RASCOM project in the African continent contacts in Tunis or abroad, thanks to preliminary exploratory work and targeted contacts that meet • Protection of copyrights. in Tunisia and SEAMEWE4 project at an international level all aim at providing Tunisia with a investors’ needs. Our approach being to present the Tunisian offer the most satisfactory one for firms • Protection of personal data guaranteed by the total connectivity. in search of internationalization, Constitution. advice on the conditions that will contribute to the success of initiatives, the best locations, various • The creation of the Digital Economy Regulatory A digital oriented culture all over the Tunisian territory, with a fully digitalized investment systems, financing means…, Board. network, an internet network covering 100 % of the country, an international internet accompanying the investor on exploratory visits to Tunisia and throughout the various implementation • A regulatory and technical framework for telephone band width reaching 17.5 GB/s. phases of the initiative. FIPA staff draws up programs for meetings with Tunisian institutions and services using VoIP. This performance is confirmed by the latest edition of the Global Information companies in the relevant sector or areas of investor interest, Technology Report 2008-2009. support to improve the sustainability of a company, through personalized monitoring and ongoing assistance with ministerial departments and structures and regional authorities.