Foreign investment (FDI and portfolio investment) increased by 25.5% to 1,554.3 million Tunisian dinars (MTD) between 2011 and 2012 (9 months). It, however, decreased by 8.5% (1,698.8 MD) compared to 2010.
According to data published by the Agency for Foreign Investment Promotion (FIPA), FDI (foreign direct investment) went up by 26.6% to 1,482.1 MTD , compared to 2011, but declined by 0 8%, compared to 2010.
With regard to the investment portfolio, it reached 72.2 MTD, against 67.4 MTD in 2011.
Until the end of September 2012, “90 new companies have entered into production and 147 conducted extension operations.
These projects led to the creation of 8,428 new jobs, which corresponds almost to the creations in 2011, posting a decrease of 8.3% compared to 2010. ”
The analysis of FDI flows by sector shows a concentration in the energy sector (950 MTD), an increase of 25% over the previous year and manufacturing industries (340 MTD), up 25.6%.
The distribution of FDI in the manufacturing sector shows a strong concentration in certain activities.
Thus, electrical and electronic industries still occupy the first position in the amount of investment (85.1 MTD), followed by mechanical industries (62.45 MTD), construction materials (61.8 MTD) and textiles and clothing (35 MTD).
France remains the largest investor in Tunisia with a total investment of 148.12 MTD, followed by Qatar, which has invested 110 MTD (extension project in the telecommunications sector and the acquisition of a tourism unit).
Italy occupies the third position with 78.3 MTD. These three countries alone account for a little less than two thirds of FDI (63.26%).
In terms of jobs, German investments are the most successful with 81 jobs created by project, followed by Belgium with 58 jobs and Italy with 52 jobs.
Taking into consideration all the projects created during the first eight months of 2012, the average cost per job created is 63,100 dinars.
