Industry & Retail
From The Report: Tunisia 2018
View in Online Reader

Building on years of experience, Tunisian manufacturing capacity has been able to capitalise on the country’s geographic position and track record for quality. This, plus the improvement of transport infrastructure and enacting business-friendly regulations, has encouraged the emergence of a handful of significant industrial subsectors, which have aided in employing a growing number of Tunisians and diversifying the economy. However, Tunisia’s overall business environment has been negatively impacted by the post-revolution climate, with a decline in foreign direct investment. Tunisia’s retail sector has been affected by political instability, falling consumer confidence and currency devaluation in recent years. Still, improving security and the positive performance of international industries that rely on Tunisian suppliers underline the resilience of the local industry and retail sectors. This chapter contains interviews with Slim Feriani, Minister of Industry and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises; and Nabil Chaibi, CEO, Ulysse Hyper Distribution – Carrefour Tunisie.
 

 

 

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Diversified production: manufacturing makes progress despite a challenging domestic environment
OBG
plus

For over four decades Tunisia’s development strategy has focused on expanding its industrial base. This vision, coupled with a large pool of well-educated human resources, has allowed the country to link its production capacity to international value chains. To support development, public policy has focused on improving transport infrastructure and enacting business-friendly regulation. This combination of factors has encouraged the emergence of a handful of significant industrial subsectors, which…

Analysis

Garment growth: Textile producers forge ahead with new plans in the context of increased regional competition
OBG
plus

With a track record of employment creation outside the capital and strong export figures, textile manufacturing has long been a significant part of the national economy. A combination of competitive labour costs, well-trained human resources and proximity to European markets has made Tunisia a preferred destination for clothing manufacturers. Taking advantage of the offshoring regime established in the 1970s, textile and clothing manufacturers from Europe channelled production capacity into the country.…

Analysis

Sector cure: Exports and internationalisation present the best opportunities for Tunisian pharmaceutical manufacturers
OBG
plus

The combination of a domestic market categorised by high expenditure on health care and regional export possibilities has made Tunisia’s pharmaceuticals industry one of the country’s most successful segments. According to a report from the World Bank, the country’s pharmaceuticals market grew at an annual average of 15% between 1990 and 2013. This growth was largely driven by privatisation and the arrival of foreign investment. While this has indeed placed the industry in a strong position,…

Interview

In the zone: Slim Feriani, Minister of Industry and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, on boosting infrastructure development and product awareness to enhance export activity
OBG
plus

Interview: Slim Feriani, Minister of Industry and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises What are Tunisia’s goals with respect to industrial zone development over the coming years? SLIM FERIANI: Since 1973 Tunisia has established a total of 146 industrial zones. The goal is to create 69 more by 2020, of which 39 will be funded by the Industrial Land Agency, and the rest either by regional councils or municipalities. Our plan to create new industrial zones is aligned with the national strategies of…

Overview

Purchasing power: Modern distribution channels, e-commerce and the arrival of global brands are becoming key retail drivers
OBG
plus

A combination of political instability, falling consumer confidence and a currency devaluation has translated into inconsistent performance for Tunisia’s retail sector in recent years. However, despite the difficulties, the formalisation of distribution networks, and the increase in global brands and food franchises continues to expand modern shopping opportunities. The government’s commitment to security upgrades after the terrorist attack in 2015 is likely to positively impact buyer confidence…

Analysis

Online push: Regulators look to overcome obstacles to e-commerce payment and access
OBG
plus

While prospects for Tunisian retail are improving, the sector has faced challenges in shifting online. Mostly due to online payment limitations, but also to a certain degree of mistrust of online purchases, Tunisia’s e-commerce market remains underdeveloped. Recent state intervention and the rise of e-commerce start-ups have helped to improve the environment; however, more targeted action may be needed to boost cross-border flows and further develop the domestic market. Mobile The continued expansion…

Interview

Room for growth: Nabil Chaibi, CEO, Ulysse Hyper Distribution – Carrefour Tunisie, on bolstering the retail sector online and off
OBG
plus

Interview:Nabil Chaibi, CEO, Ulysse Hyper Distribution – Carrefour Tunisie How can grocery retailers adapt to changes in consumer behaviour and expectations? NABIL CHAIBI: In these times of rampant inflation and declining purchasing power, Tunisian consumers are now, more than ever, in search of lower prices and an optimum price-quality ratio. The development of private labels is essential for offering quality products at competitive prices. Also, grocery retailers must deploy marketing…