Due to its limited natural resources,
Tunisia has focused on strengthening its human potential.
The bulk of the national budget has been allocated to
education, healthcare, housing and social services.
The private sector is encouraged to play a leading role
in economic growth and, as a result, Tunisians have
created a modern, diversified market-oriented economy
based on an efficient agricultural sector, a growing
manufacturing sector, and a thriving tourism industry.
Tunisia's GNP and social indicators
have risen steadily since independence. In the past
tree decades, per capita GNP has risen from 952 Dinars
in 1986 to 2847 dinars in 2001. Tunisia has enjoyed
an average growth rate of 5 percent since 1987. Furthermore,
even with the world debt crisis, Tunisia has managed
to reduce its total debt burden. During the last few
years, Tunisia has been frequently cited by international
financial institutions as a "model for success" in economic
structural adjustment.
The principal Tunisian exports are
crude oil, minerals, manufactured goods, and agricultural
products, including its internationally renowned olive
oil. Tourism is also a significant source of revenue
and foreign exchange. Tunisia's primary trading partners
are France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and
the Maghreb countries.
Tunisia's thriving economy creates an attractive atmosphere
for investors from the European Community, Japan and
the United States. More than 2,300 foreign firms have
direct investments in or joint ventures with Tunisian
companies. Many of these firms were attracted by Tunisia's
proximity and preferential trading relations with the
European Community and the Arab Maghreb Union, as well
as by the Investment Code which offers tax and customs
concessions to foreign investors, and facilitates project
approval.
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