Tunisia Way

On 17 July 1995, Tunisia signed an association agreement with the European Union. This agreement, which provided for the progressive establishment of a free trade area, offers to competitive Tunisian companies an opportunity to integrate into a developed economic area with more than 500 million consumers. Nevertheless, it contains threats linked to the liberalization of foreign trade.

To prepare and adapt the industrial enterprises and their environment to the new context, characterized by more competition, the Tunisian Government, in consultation with the social partners, designed and implemented a national programme for upgrading the economy and the industrial bases, starting by a pilot- upgrading programme with UNIDO's assistance.

It focused on improvement of business environment and competitiveness of enterprises and enabled to strengthen three sectors: textiles and clothing, leather and footwear, and food. UNIDO has contributed to the country's efforts to increase productivity, reduce costs and improve quality in the manufacturing sector, making it more competitive, increasing its share in global markets, boosting exports and creating employment.