Industry & Retail

Traditionally dominated by textiles, the industrial sector is increasingly attracting investment in higher-value segments such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive and aeronautics as a result of a skilled and competitively salaried workforce. Despite the sector’s strengths, however, progress stagnated following the 2011 revolution. In view of revitalising the broader economy, the 2019-20 economic recovery plan, seeks to boost the competitiveness of the country’s key industries. Tunisia’s retail market remains, however, underdeveloped relative to North African peers, in particular to Morocco and Egypt. This results in a number of significant opportunities that are available for both domestic and international operators, particularly in areas such as e-commerce, among others. Nonetheless, distribution networks continue to improve and expand, while the presence of global brands and franchises is on the rise. This chapter contains interviews with Hichem Elloumi, CEO, COFICAB; and Vice-President, Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts; and Hosni Boufaden, President, Tunisian Federation of Textiles and Clothing.