Despite the difficult economic climate, public banks made substantial profits in 2024, according to their annual accounts recently published by the Tunis Stock Exchange (TSE).
In fact, BNA Bank recorded a net profit of 254.5 million dinars (MD), an increase of 34% compared to 2023, while BH Bank’s profit amounted to 108.5 MD.
The profit of the STB BANK reached 82.5 MD, while its net banking income and its financing of the economy declined in view of the loans and financing granted to economic operators, which fell by 7.04% to 9,774.3 MD.
Despite these profits, the banks have not yet created the financing line for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) provided for in article 412 III of the new law on checks.
This law provides for the creation of short-term financing lines of up to two years’ duration, financed by 8% of banks’ net profits, to support SMEs, small project holders and private individuals on advantageous terms.
President Kais Saïed received Prime Minister, Sara Zaâfrani Zenzri and Finance Minister, Michket Slama Khaldi, at the Carthage Palace on Wednesday, April 16.
The meeting focused on the operation of certain financial institutions and the need to identify the resources needed to ensure the rehabilitation and maintenance of a number of educational and cultural institutions, according to a press release issued by the Presidency.
On March 8, during a meeting with the Minister of Finance, President Saïed also discussed the overall financial balance of the State.
In this context, he stressed the need for public banks, in particular, to play their national role in supporting the State’s efforts to implement its social policies.
He also underscored the need to continue the fight against corruption networks, according to the press release.
