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DIRECTORYTunisian-Serbian business forum
Monday, January 05, 2009
In the context of strengthening economic and trade cooperation between Tunisia and Serbia, a Business Forum will be held on February 27 and 28 in Belgrade, in conjunction with the Tourism Fair to be held from February , 26 until 28, 2009 in the Serbian capital.
The forum will be marked by the participation of the main trade Tunisian organizations and their Serbian counterparts.
Real Estate investment : Tunisia at the Top 3 in the MENA area
Tunisia confirms its reputation as one of the best countries to invest in Real estate according to an article published on December 30, 2008 in the real estate ‘s international portal , homesgofast.com .
Homesgofast.com anticipated that Tunisia is among the top 3 countries ( namely Tunisia , Dubai and Egypt ) in Africa and the Middle east suitable for real estate investments in 2009 .The choice was a result of an internet traffic ‘s analyzing survey and trends about the real property portals ‘ network.
Tunisia ;The leader of Engineers ‘Arab union
Mr. Ghoulem Debbache , president of the Tunisian college of Engineers , was elected as the president of the Engineers ‘ Arab union from 2009 until 2011 .
Mr.Debbache was elected to this post on December 19, 2008 during the high council of the Engineers ‘ Arab union that was held in Damascus , Syria.Bina Holding selects HSBC as its Consultant
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Bina Holding, the company belonging to Belhassen Trabelsi and Lazhar Sta, which aims to
Establish a cement company, has appointed HSBC as advisor in order to help it reshape this project.The mission of the British bank would particularly find an industrial partner to the project.
Having established the company in September 2007, both partners have entered in August, the Kuwait Gulf Investment House in the capital.
SAMA DUBAI maintains its investments in Tunisia
Mohamed Ghannouchi, prime minister, confirmed the continuation of SAMA DUBAI ‘s investment programs in Tunisia, as well as group projects“Boukhater” and deep-water port of Enfidha.
the prime minister reassured that these projects are still planned despite the world financial crisis.According to Emirate officials ; there are two major projects in the Emirates and Tunisia.
Third edition of the” 2009 Real estate “
Since its establishment , the real estate guide has been considered as the benchmark of real estate in Tunisia. Concerning its third edition , the property’s guide in 2009 will be an indispensable tool for both professionals and individuals .
The 2009 version seems to be carrying a large dynamism and know-how , there will be 10.000 copies of approximately 220 pages . the new publication aims to consolidate its leading position in the Real estate sphere , it will be disseminated to professionals and individuals in different areas of the country and will be exposed in major fairs such as “ MEDIBAT –Sfax “ , “ Real-Estate Tunis” and “ BATIMAT –Paris” .The 2009 version will launch a major digital media namely an interactive CD distributed for free with the “ print “ version .
This new version will provide property development , renovation , financing and interior design .
In addition , interviews with personalities of the area are planned with a complete directory of professionals carrying the latest real estate updates.
Tunisia elected member of the Mediterranean mediators and ombudsmen ‘ organization
Friday, December 26, 2008
Tunisia was elected a board member of the Mediterranean mediators and ombudsmen ‘ organization during its 2nd meeting held last week in Marseille , France.
Mrs.Alifa Farouk , administrative mediator , took part in this meeting which was attended by 23 Mediterranean countries and representatives of 5 regional and international organizations including Arab states ‘ league , European union (EU) , Europe council , the international agency of Francophone countries ( AIF) and the UN ‘s council of Human rights.This meeting focused on several themes including Human rights preservation , consecration of Democracy and the role of the Ombudsman in the recognition of these values…
It should be recalled also that Tunisia was re-elected to the presidency of the African mediators organization of administrative accounts for 40 African countries from 2008 until 2012 .
Tunisia was elected as the FIDEF ‘s vice-president
The international federation of francophone public accountants (FIDEF) has held its annual general meeting on December 21, 2008 in Dakar .
During this meeting , 12 applications were received for the position of the new board of directors and After voting , Tunisia which was represented by the OECI ( Tunisia ‘s public accountants order) was elected as the federation ‘s director.In addition , during the board meeting held in the same day , 4 applications namely of Algeria , Romania , Burkina faso and Tunisia , have been put to the vote for the status of vice-presidency . After vote , Tunisia and Burkina faso were elected as the FIDEF ‘s vice-president.
Inauguration of the 23rd edition of Tunisian handicrafts fair in Tunis
"The crafts, best gifts for the new year" is the theme of the 23rd edition of the trinkets and gifts ‘ trade show Organized in the Den Den craft’s house from December 22 to December 29 ,2008.
creators from 75 governorates of Tunis, Nabeul, Gabes and Zaghouan will take part in this exhibition who will expose tapestry products , mosaic , traditional clothing, painting and various ornamentations.Several associations and international organizations, including “Besma” association (for the advancement and employment of disabled persons) and the National Union of Tunisian women (UNFT) will also participate in this event.
Major indicators of Tunisia ‘s foreign trade during the first 11 months of 2008
During the first 11 months of 2008 , Tunisian exports increased by 24.9% compared to 24.6% last year (22077.5 MD against 17676.1 MD during the first 11 months of the year 2007).
in addition ; there was Evolution of imports by 26% compared to 21.3% (28027.6 MD against 22249.9 MDduring the first 11 months of the year 2007), Coverage rate grew by 78.8% against 79.4% in 2007 , Mines, phosphates and derivatives exports increased by 16% and imports by 21%.
Moreover , exports under the general scheme increased by 49.4 % (10224.4 MD compared to 6845.6 MD in 2007) and Consolidation of exports’ share under the general scheme grew by 46.3% against 38.7% last year.
Inauguration of the 5th edition of Dardéco 2008
The inauguration of the 5th edition of furniture and decoration salon , Dardéco 2008 was held on December 19 , 2008 and will remain until December 28, 2008 . this exhibition is organized by the Tunisian international fair company , targeted to both the public and professionals .
Over 40.000 visitors are expected in this year while around 120 Tunisian exhibitors will take part in this fair representing various activities such as framework and supervision , decoration and house equipment , tableware , lighting …According to the Fair’s organizer , this event is of great importance since it exposes more product selection and new creations.
in addition , the international fair’s company is already examining the prospects of the next edition of 2009 and announced that promotional companies will internationalize this event in which there will be more exposure
A conference about “Mega projects in Tunisia”
Monday, December 22, 2008
Mr.Abdelhamid Triki , state’s secretary of international cooperation and foreign investment , claimed that the mega projects to be carried out in Tunisia will generate around 350 thousand jobs by the next 20 years and will also strengthen the pace of GDP growth .
During a conference entitled “Mega projects in Tunisia” which was held on December 20, 2008 in Tunis , Mr.Triki stated that the overall cost of those projects is estimated to reach 50 billion USD.He added that the major aim of these projects is to become huge spaces for important activities , namely tourism , health care , sports and financial services. The state’s secretary mentioned also that investors have chosen Tunisia due to its political stability , its important geographical position and its competent human resources.
Tunisia :creation of the « Nanotechnology association”
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Nanotechnology refers to a field whose theme is the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. At this scale , new physical phenomena can be exploited to produce new technologies.
A seminar under the theme of “Nanotechnology and its applications in environment “ was held on December 18, 2008 in Tunis.
In the framework of this event , an association devoted to “Nanotechnology and environment “ was established.
Tunisia : FDI reached 2.042 billion TD in the first 11 months of 2008
Foreign direct investment in Tunisia reached 2.042 billion dinars during the first 11 months of 2008 .
According to Reuters , which reports official figures, “the amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the services sector reached 416.5 million dinars , which is considered as a high progress compared to last year 2007 (166.7 million dinars).The energy sector has attracted 1.3 billion dinars in the period between January and November 2008 ( an increase of 24%).
Manufacturing ‘s FDI reached 484.7 million dinars compared to 426 million dinars in 2007.
The UTSS president paid a visit to the region of Medenine
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Medenine is the major town in southeastern Tunisia , south of the oasis town of Gabes and the Island of Djerba , on the main route to Libya.
Mr.Charfeddine Gallouz , president of the Tunisian union of social solidarity , carried out on December 16, 2008 a working visit to the region of Medenine where he was informed about the integrated development project in the city of Manzelet mogueur.The UTSS president who was accompanied by the governor of the region , noticed the achievements performed in the town including the constructions of basins, local flora development and biodiversity enrichment.
Boosting economic and trade relations between Tunisia and Benin
The Secretary of state in charge of foreign trade Mr.Chokri Mamoghli conferred, on Tuesday in Tunis, Benin's delegate minister to the Presidency of the Republic in charge of communication and information and communication technologies Désiré Goundé Adadja, on a working visit in Tunisia as part of the fourth Tunisian-Beninese joint committee.
The talk turned on the economic and commercial relations and prospects for their development. In this connection, the two officials voiced will of the two countries' leaders to boost Tunisian-Beninese trade relations to a higher level.The Beninese minister said that the trade relations remain below the two countries' aspirations and potentialities and expressed wish to raise them to the level of the excellent political relations binding Tunisia and Benin.
The talk also turned on the partnership opportunities and exchange of experiences in matters of electronic trade and information technology security.
Tunisia : a regional seminar about commerce
The Islamic center of development organizes , in collaboration with the ministry of commerce and handicrafts , a regional seminar under the theme of “ the situation of trade between member countries belonging to the Agadir convention.”
This event will be held on December 17 , 2008 and will remain until December 18, 2008 at the Mercury hotel (ex-El Mechtel) Tunis.Tunisia : activation of nearly 2 million bank cards
According to a report done by the Tunisian professional association of banks and financial institutions (APTBEF) , the number of bank cards issued in Tunisia reached 1.818.888 at the end of September 2008, which is considered as a progress of 11.6% compared to last year 2007.
The report indicates also that during the first nine months of 2008 , the number of tourist benefit cards reached 9869 , which is an increase of 112% compared to the same period of 2008.We should also mention that the number of “DAB” cash machines has also increased to reach 1178 machines.
The EU grants an « advanced partner” status to Tunisia
The EU has recently granted an “advanced partner” status to Tunisia , claimed the Tunisian minister of foreign affairs during the Tunisian budget ‘s debate.
“the European side appreciated the achievements and reforms done by Tunisia , which contributed largely to make the EU accept Tunisia as an “advanced partner” with the EU”, added the minister.According to observers, this new status is of great importance at both economic and political level. The “ advanced partner “ status with the EU involves cooperation, economic and political relations with Europe. It offers new prospects to the EU-Tunisian relations which will be manifested in a closer institutional and political rapprochement.
Tunisian-Saudi Events
Twenty young Saudi promoters are interested in joint-ventures in order to strengthen partnerships with foreign organizations and to stimulate investments in other countries .
In this context; the youth leadership center in Tunis (CJD) organizes , in collaboration with the Tunisian business club in Riyadh, the Tunisian –Saudi partnership days , which will be inaugurated on December 21 and will remain until December 25, 2008 .
The Tunisian business club in Riyadh is an association of Tunisian businessmen settled down in the Saudi Arabia ‘s capital who are specialized in Middle –east and Tunisia ‘s issues.
Mr. Mohamed Nouri Jouini , minister of development and international cooperation , will be present in the opening day , with Mr.Hedi Djilani , president of the Tunisian union of industry , commerce and handicrafts (UTICA).
Business tourism ;Tunisia will participate in the 10th edition of the Bedouk MC & IT salon
Monday, December 15, 2008
The national office of Tunisian tourism (ONTT) in France has recently announced the participation of Tunisia in the 10th edition of business tourism and factual Bedouk MC & IT salon ( it was founded in 1999 and it becomes the major event of business tourism) which will be held on February 4 and 5 , 2009 at the exhibition Porte de Versailles in Paris .
There will be a reception space reserved for the ONTT , in addition to the area covering 5m2 which will be available for Tunisian professionals wishing to take part in this event.
Interested parties are requested by the ONTT to confirm their participation not later than December 22 , 2008 .