Switzerland participates in several projects in Tunisia, particularly in disadvantaged areas in the center and south of the country.
The ultimate goal is to creation of 10,000 jobs by 2015, according to the Swiss national press agency ATS.
In total, the Swiss Cooperation benefits this year from 30 million francs to carry out projects related to both democratic transition and economic development or to help the country manage its migration policy.
Berne supports, for example, the construction of sewage treatment plants in the governorate of Kasserine (center) and pushes hoteliers to “think local” by involving stakeholders in resorts and tourist areas to promote the development of renewable energy or support the creation of micro-enterprises.
At the end of 2012, more than 135 equity loans and 1,700 microloans were granted for a potential 1,500 jobs created,
In the Tunisian capital, a project of the Swiss Cooperation aims to train 80 young girls and boys, unskilled and currently deprived of activity from needy families in disadvantaged neighborhoods of Greater Tunis.
Four key sectors of the Tunisian economy are covered by these grants: textiles, food processing, surface treatment and hospitality. Training of young people in solar installers trades is also included in this program.
Switzerland also makes its expertise available in the constitutional process in Tunisia. According to a defined timeline, a draft constitution, repeatedly postponed, is this time expected in April with a first reading in Parliament in July, in order to hold elections by the end of the year, probably between October and December.
