Transport

The instability generated by Tunisia’s 2011 revolution resulted in the delayed roll out of important infrastructural projects and needed maintenance of existing infrastructure. Although Tunisia’s utility infrastructure (water, electricity and gas) ranks strongly by regional standards, its transport-related infrastructure – historically one of the country’s important comparative advantages, with high levels of productivity and reliable performance – has deteriorated in recent years. From 2010 to 2014, the country dropped 49 places on the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, falling from 61st to 110th. To reverse the decline of recent years, and in turn improve maintenance, capacity and efficiency, the country is rolling out several initiatives to boost connectivity, in collaboration with external donors and private sector partners. Among the new projects mooted are a new Africa-focused freight carrier, highway upgrades and a pending open skies agreement – all of which, if executed in a timely fashion, should help Tunisia begin to move up the rankings. Policy changes and increasing the private sector’s role through partnerships will serve to encourage further investment. This chapter contains an interview with Sami Battikh, CEO, Office of Merchant Marine and Ports (OMMP).