Tunisia's economy has been rated as the most competitive African economy...

Doing Business in Tunisia
If you are considering investing or actively participating in Tunisia's economy, which has been rated as the most competitive African economy, you should also be taking the following into account.

Investing in the Tunisian Economy will give you the freedom to choose from a wide range of varying industries. It's fantastic geographical location and proximity to other markets are favourable. Tunisia possesses a skilled labour force, with a willingness and ability to master new skills and technologies as well as legal protection for foreign investors, and a functional infrastructure that is continuously improving.

Tunisia's legal and regulatory environment is characterized by its transparency, liberalism and efficiency. It is materialized by a favourable business law, reduced tariff barriers, a flexible tax system and simple and homogeneous rules for investment.

Tunisia also promises:

An Encouraging Tax System - All exports derived income benefits from a total exemption for 10years.
Complete Freedom for Transfer - Foreign investors benefit from the free transfer of their profits and capital. The Tunisian Dinar is convertible for current transactions since 1994.

Office Hours:

Monday to Thursday - 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Friday - 8:30 to 1 p.m.
Saturday - 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Financial institutions work five days a week.
In summertime and during the month of Ramadhan, the continuous workday system is applied (one work period per day in the morning with no break for lunch, ex: from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

Stability
Tunisia has a clear vision of its development. The economic reforms of the country are intended to be global and progressive. The governments' actions have allowed the country to avoid turbulent economic movements. One should note the rare fact that the Asia crisis and its consequences had a weak impact in Tunisia due to the priority given to long-term foreign investment and to a stable currency not-indexed to a single currency.

Incentives for Investors
There are numerous incentives offered to investors in the form of tax exemptions, investment subsidies and the assumption of infrastructure expenses and employer social security contributions.

The procedures to start a company are done at a one-stop window that gathers all the concerned administrations at The Agency for the Promotion of Industry (API).

Starting a business
In a recent World Bank survey on the costs of doing business, Tunisia scored relatively high in several business entry indicators. Business registration is relatively fast and efficient in Tunisia when compared with countries at similar levels of economic development.