Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi announced on the eve of Eid al-Fitr four measures for those affected by the impact of the pandemic Coronavirus, especially small traders and artisans.
They include granting 5,000 loans of 5,000 dinars each without interest and with very affordable terms of repayment with a year of grace for the benefit of small entrepreneurs affected by the lockdown, especially those whose activities are directly related to the period of Eid al-Fitr.
It was also decided to allow the economic sectors most affected by the recent lockdown measures to benefit from direct financial assistance. These activities will be determined by the Minister of Social Affairs and the Minister of Economy and Finance.
The Minister of Economy and Finance will be responsible for the implementation of the measures.
Among the measures announced is the postponement of the payment of employers’ contributions for the second quarter and their rescheduling over the third and fourth quarters.
Finally, the prime minister decided to allow small traders and artisans benefiting from the flat-rate system to postpone the payment of the flat-rate tax to the end of 2021 without penalties.
Hichem Mechichi said in a brief speech that despite the strong pressure on public finances and the state budget, the government has decided to take such measures that may not be enough, but will undoubtedly help small traders and artisans affected by the pandemic to overcome this difficult period faced by the country.
