The COVID-19 effect is a subject of debate in Comparison to the 2007-2008 global financial crises and World War2. Although the repercussions of these crises may seem enormous, the Corona Virus pandemic has left wide-ranging effects on almost every area of development, as no crises did before.
However, in certain developing countries, specifically in Tunisia, there seem to be opportunities of investment in the following fields, Aeronautics, Automotive, ICT and the Pharmaceutical Industry, along with Agriculture or Agribusiness that requires a simple declaration of intent as opposed to other sectors that require further Government authorizations.
Furthermore, as declared during the 11th meeting of the strategic investment council held by ‘ Tunisia investment Authority’, the COVID-19 crisis has captured the attention of the responsible parties towards the urgent reform of the Tunisian ecosystem, essentially of the digital transition and the green economy that will encourage investors to invest within a developed, cost-effective ecosystem compared to EU countries It may be true that since the Tunisian revolution of January 2011, political and economic stability in Tunisia remains fragile, according to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 20205. However, the Tunisian Government still encourages the investment mainly in the Agricultural field by exempting tax on reinvested profits and income in the first 10 years of operation, along with additional premium of 25% of the value of the investment which may be granted for fishing projects in the coastal ports north of Bizerte to Tabarka, and many more benefits.
In conclusion, the chaos happening in Tunisia whether after the political changes that occurred in the political scene during the last 10 years, or with the COVID-19 pandemic. Substantial changes happened, that created a convenient climate for investment in multiple fields, especially after Tunisia’s choice in liberalizing its economy to integrate it in the worldwide economy from one side, and the government’s encouragement for foreign investment from another.
