Spokesperson for the Confederation of Tunisian Citizen Enterprises (CONECT), Monia Essaidi said Tunisia needs more than ever all its forces to revive its economy. Hence, the importance of uniting around the same table to tackle the strategic, economic and sectoral policies without exclusion so as to restore confidence and promote our image which has continued to deteriorate.
Interview:
What is the position of the CONECT about the draft organic law on the provisions relating to economic and financial reconciliation adopted by last July 14 Cabinet and which continues to fuel the controversy?
The position of our organization is clear and announced since the creation of our Confederation: no settlement of accounts, no to revenge, carelessness and acquittal without consideration from those who received benefits or unduly worn for public goods.
We must ensure the protection of public interests and remain confident that we will eventually find appropriate solutions.
I think this kind of initiative is likely to restore the climate of confidence, even a climate of appeasement in a context marked by a sharp deterioration in the business environment without forgetting the bad image of Tunisia abroad. Still, it could boost the investment needed to revive the economy.
We need to live in a peaceful and positive investment climate, one that could send positive messages to our partners, but also to investors wishing to create their projects in Tunisia.
If things remain blocked and people continue to be wary, we could no longer revive the economy and save the country which still faces a multitude of challenges. Yet, CONECT advocates prioritizing the national interest, considered a major priority.
In this exceptional and even dangerous situation, Tunisia needs all its strength and its economic players to meet this challenge.
But several forces have warned against this bill on the pretext that it infringes on the constitution. What do you think?
We have confidence in our institutions including the House of people’s Representatives (HPR), knowing that the bill will soon be submitted to the parliament for consideration. So we remain confident in our parliament that will definitely end this controversy and I do not think there would be a breach of the constitution or laws.
I think we have talked too much and it’s time to focus efforts on actions and return to work to save the country.
Let’s talk about the supplementary budget bill for the year 2015 which will be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting before submission to the HRR. This bill proposes several measures such as the withdrawal of the exemption enjoyed by individuals and 50-millime decrease on public sale price of a liter of gasoline, 30-millime decrease per liter for diesel and 50-millime for a liter of normal diesel… When the Confederation is expecting from the new law?
Much is expected from the supplementary Finance Law for the year 2015, and this in order to restore the business climate and confidence in investment in particular.
I take this opportunity to emphasize the importance to reconsider certain provisions mentioned in this bill, including those relating to totally exporting companies. For, it is illogical to charge the tax administration already has a lot on the board while the attractiveness of Tunisia is falling.
However, it is important to establish clear rules to fight against the scourge of flat-rate scheme. Much work should be undertaken for better governance and a fairer tax justice and to ensure that companies are subject to the actual regime.
Regarding the parallel market which is taking on alarming proportions, I think that the state is called to respond to transactions that are done in cash. Many transactions in the purchase and sale of real estate and vehicles are now carried on the nail. However, this is not acceptable and we must make an effort for them to be regulated and taxed.
Several proposals have been put forward by CONECT so that the 2015 supplementary finance law is fairer is fairer and that the taxpayer is not subject to heavy taxation and organized company itself does not suffer exorbitant fiscal pressures. That bill should encourage companies to develop.
UTICA has recently launched a new economic initiative, in collaboration with private sector representatives to prepare a clear roadmap by September 2015 to form a united front against terrorism and economic sabotage. Does CONECT support this type of initiative?
We can only be positive and can only approve a statement from the private sector. Moreover, the points raised in that initiative are relevant and interesting.
However, we deplored the exclusion of CONECT from an initiative of this kind. Today, Tunisia is plural and if it is argued that a statement comes from the private sector, it must be comprehensive and cover all private sectors, already composed of two main employers’ organizations, other workers’ and several national organizations.
Despite this exclusion, we should unite around the same table to look at the strategic, economic and sectoral policies without exclusion to save our country.
