Investments reported in the industrial sector increased by 23.6% to reach 2,641.7 million Tunisian dinars (MTD) between 2011 and 2012 (8 months).
In fact, 2,749 projects were reported in 2012, against 2,550 in the same period of 2011, up 7.8%, according to the latest newsletter published by the Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation (APII), in August 2012.
However, expected jobs fell 11.9% compared with the past year, with the reported creation of 48,781 jobs in 2012, against 55,362 jobs in 2011.
In the leather and footwear sector, investments reported this year rose 361.9% to reach 42.1 MTD, boosted by the extension of a totally exporting shoe manufacturing unit for an amount of 28.9 MTD, with 100% foreign capital.
Investments reported in the food industry also soared 95.9%, to reach 1,091.6 MTD.
They result from the creation of a totally exporting sugar refinery (504 MTD with a mixed capital), a totally exporting tomato processing unit (18 MTD) and the extension of an animal feed production unit (16.3 MTD).
Regarding various industries, reported investment rose 49.6% to reach 537.5 MTD, following the creation of a totally exporting tires recycling unit (196.2 MTD with a mixed capital).
Investment in textile and clothing grew by 10.9% to 144.1 MD, due to the planned establishment of a totally exporting nonwoven fabric manufacturing unit (45.3 MTD with 100% foreign capital).
Investments reported in building materials, ceramics and glass industries decreased by 3.9% to 310.1 MD.
Projects include the extension ceramic tiles glazing unit (25.6 MTD), as well as the extension of a cement plant for a total of 24.7 MTD.
Regarding the sector of mechanical and electrical industries, investment fell by 27.9% to 386.2 MD. Major projects include the creation of an automobiles manufacturing and engine cycles unit for a total of 100 MTD.
In the chemical industry, investments decreased by 41.5% to 130.1 MD.
The main reported project consists essentially in the extension of a phosphate processing plant for a total of 80 MTD.
