Month: May 2024

Tunis: The weather on Sunday is partly cloudy in most regions, with temperatures slighty up.

Highs range between 22 and 24°C near eastern coasts and between 25 and 32°C elsewhere, reaching 34°C in the southwest.

The winds is blowing south light to moderate, to relatively strong in the afternoon near coasts and in the south.

The sea is a bit choppy to wavy to choppy in the afternoon in the north and in the Gulf of Gabes.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: Over thirty Tunisian companies are currently taking part in a business mission organised on May 4-9 in Niamey (Niger), at the initiative of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (French: UTICA)’s Association of Export Advisers and the Economic Interest Grouping (Tunisia-Niger Development), in collaboration with the Niger Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Association of Export Advisers President Riadh Azaiez pointed out to TAP that these companies operate in various sectors of activity mainly agriculture, energy, banking, insurance and telecommunications, pharmaceutical industry, medical assistance agencies, digital technology, higher education, vocational training and public works.

The main aim of this business mission is to improve the presence of Tunisian products in Niger and Nigerian products in Tunisia, and to promote exchanges of experts between the two countries, he added.

“Its goal is to step up trade in goods and services between Tunisia and Niger, and to exploit inves
tment opportunities in both countries, notably in agro-industrial value chains,” explained Azaiez.

Niger has a proven comparative advantage in a large number of agricultural products, including livestock and by-products (hides and skins, meat), and agricultural and market garden produce (onions, sesame seeds, groundnuts, gum arabic, peppers, etc.), the official pointed out.

The Tunisian and Nigerien businessmen will discuss on the occasion ways to iron out remove the obstacles to the establishment of several Tunisian investors in Niamey, he indicated.

The programme for this business mission includes the organisation of a Tunisian-Nigerian economic forum and B2B meetings, under the patronage of Niger’s Minister of Trade and Industry Saidou Asmane.

On this occasion, Tunisian business leaders will have on-site meetings with their Nigerian counterparts.

Niger boasts more than 2,000 billion m3 of underground water and 19 million hectares of farmland, as well as vast pastoral areas. It has considerable potenti
al, notably in agriculture, livestock farming, mining, oil and energy.

In terms of trade, Niger imported around $10.191 million worth of products from Tunisia in 2022, mainly pasta, biscuits, buildings and bridges, iron works, medical and surgical instruments, etc.

Exports from Niger to Tunisia amounted to $31,000.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: An information day on the project “supporting the ecological transition of the mobility industry” (PATE-IM) will be held on May 15 at the Tunis International Centre for Environmental Technologies (CITET).

The event, which aims to “propel companies towards a sustainable future by reducing their carbon footprint while enhancing their positive social impact,” is organised by CITET in collaboration with its partners,

It is organised by CITET in collaboration with its partners: L’Institut de Responsabilité Sociétale des Entreprises en Tunisie (IRSET), the Global Compact Network Tunisia, the Tunisian Aerospace Association Industries (GITAS), the Electronics Industries Cluster (ELENTICA) and the Mechatronics Tunisia Cluster (CMT).

This information day will bring together experts in corporate social responsibility and carbon footprint and representatives from SMEs and will feature testimonies by Tunisian companies,

with a view to encouraging the integration of societal and environmental issues into the aer
onautics and electronics sectors in Tunisia, by building national capacities and helping companies in these sectors achieve the ecological transition by implementing a corporate social responsibility approach and assessing the carbon footprint of products and organisations.

This initiative is supported by the Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition” through the project “Job partnerships and promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises in Tunisia II.”

It is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) Tunisia in close cooperation with the Tunisian Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: Subscriptions to the 2nd tranche of the 2024 National Bond Issue, set at TND 700 million will open from May 6 to 13, according to an order issued by the Finance Minister on April 8.

Financial analysts are optimistic about the success of the fund-raising process, which will take place at a good time in the economic situation.

Subscriptions for this second tranche may be closed before this date, or it may be extended, according to the order setting out the characteristics and conditions of the issue of this tranche and the opening and closing dates for subscriptions, published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Tunisia (JORT) on April 12.

The interest accrual date is set at the date of settlement and delivery of the securities, i.e. the second business day following the closing date for subscriptions to the second tranche, i.e. May 15, 2024.

The Treasury succeeded in raising TND 1,033.7 million for the first tranche of the 2024 national bond issue, thus exceeding the amount initially set at T
ND 750 million, i.e. a response rate of 138%, stated Tunisie Clearing Managing Director Maher Zouari.

The subscribed sums came from stock market brokers and banks, with subscription rates of 67% and 33%, respectively.

Financial analyst Bassem Naifer told TAP that all the conditions for success have been met, considering that the Finance Ministry is sending a positive message to the market and investors by choosing to raise less in the second tranche (TND 700 million) than in the first tranche (TND 750 million), since the government has already secured TND 7 billion from the Central Bank of Tunisia.

“The timing of this issue is very propitious,” he said, affirming that “there are no major debt repayments in May 2024, with the exception of the repayment of TND 448 million in the form of 13-week short-term treasury bills which were borrowed at the beginning of last year and repaid on May 2.”

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: The summer stone fruit harvest for the 2023-2024 season is expected to reach 245,000 tonnes (compared with 223,000 tonnes the previous season), up 10%.

Preliminary estimates provided to TAP by the Interprofessional Fruits Grouping show that this increase in production applies to most varieties, with varying percentages, despite climatic changes characterised by a lack of rain.

The peach harvest is estimated at 122.4 thousand tonnes, up 5% compared with the previous season, while the apricot harvest is expected to reach 41 thousand tonnes, up 28% compared with the previous season.

Plum production is projected to amount to around 19,000 tonnes this summer, up 16% compared with last season.

The cherry harvest rose by 22.3% to 9,000 tonnes, while the peach harvest (nectarine variety) fell by 10% to stabilise at around 1,8 thousand tonnes.

Medlar production is estimated at about 3.1 tonnes, compared with 2.5 tonnes the previous season.

The regional breakdown of production, according to the Grouping sh
owed that the governorate of Kairouan, in the centre, was in the lead at the national level in stone fruit production, with a total output of over 37.4 thousand tonnes, compared with around 30.1 thousand tonnes the previous season.

The governorate of Ben Arous, in the north-east, ranked second at national level in stone fruit production, with about 33.8 thousand tonnes, compared with 24.5 thousand tonnes the previous season.

The governorate of Kasserine, in the centre-west, came third with fruit production of about 23.9 thousand tonnes, compared with 20.8 thousand tonnes the previous season.

Drop in watermelon production

Watermelon production was estimated at about 100,000 tonnes from a registered cultivated area of about 3,000 hectares, compared with 130,000 tonnes the previous season.

The melon production is forecast at about 60,000 tonnes over an area of 2,000 hectares.

Citrus exports in figures

As for the citrus export season, which is drawing to a close, the quantities exported, according to group
ing, reached 8,493 tonnes up to May 2 worth TND 29.4 million, compared with 7,614 tonnes worth TND 25.5 million the previous season, recording a consecutive increase of 11.5% in terms of quantity and 15.2% in terms of value.

Maltese oranges accounted for some 96% of total citrus fruit exports, followed by clementines with 1.7%.

In terms of geographical distribution, the French market drew the lion’s share of citrus exports with over 90%, followed by the Libyan market with 7.3% and the Gulf markets with 2%.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: The Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company has denied any increase or change in electricity and gas tariffs as of May 1, 2022.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the company confirmed that there has been no decision to increase electricity and gas tariffs for this year, in accordance with the 2024 Finance Law.

In response to what it described as “false allegations accompanied by misleading information”, STEG said that its policy of rationalising consumption had been implemented “to support consumers and efforts of the state STEG to overcome financial difficulties and to meet its commitments to suppliers of raw materials for energy production”.

The company also explained that the calculation method adopted from May 1, 2022 is designed to manage the subsidy effectively, pointing out that citizens whose monthly consumption does not exceed 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) will automatically benefit from a tariff of 176 millimes for the first bracket.

For the second example, which concerns high consumption of 2,5
00 kWh (more than 500 kWh per month), the legislator has set the price per kWh at 414 millimes.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: Tunisia’s cork oak forest area accounts for 4.3% of the global area ( ranking 6th ), while national cork production accounts for 3% of the global output, according to an “Analysis of the current situation of the Tunisian cork oak forest and development strategies to meet the challenges of climate change,” published early May in the newsletter of the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI).

The Tunisian cork oak forest has been continually shrinking due to fires (17,500 ha between 1970 and 2020), land clearance, overgrazing and tree dieback caused by climate change. The two forest inventories carried out in 1995 and 2005 showed a decline in the area of this forest, estimated at an average of 600 ha per year.

Overgrazing is a major factor in the degradation of the cork oak forest and reduces natural regeneration. The cork oak forest is declining in quality and quantity, with ageing trees, a failure of natural regeneration and a worsening deterioration in cork quality.

As a result, cork production
has been down from 9,000 tonnes in the 1960s and 1980s to the current average of 4,000 tonnes per year.

There is also a lack of skilled labour to exploit the cork, and the human and logistical resources of the regional services are limited when compared with the volume of work to be undertaken.

//An area of 18 thousand hectares expected to disappear by 2050//

The analysis also points to a cumulative delay resulting from the failure to harvest “large quantities of cork in recent years and the lack of expertise in natural cork oak regeneration techniques.”

It draws attention to the risks inherent in the current rate of degradation of the cork oak forest. The ecosystem of the Tunisian cork oak forest could have “negative impacts on the environment (fauna, flora, silting up of dams, etc.), as it is home to 8 protected areas and is home to an important biodiversity (made up of some 700 plant species, 70 bird species and 25 mammal species, etc.).

The negative impacts of such a situation also affect the local p
opulation, the cork industry, tourism and the national economy.

The degradation of the cork oak forest will lead to “a major loss of fodder resources, higher unemployment among the local population, a reduction in the amount of sequestered carbon, a poorer soil organic matter and reduced water retention capacity.”

“Climate change simulations conducted in the suberaie suggest that, if current degradation conditions persist, an area of 18,000 hectares will disappear by 2050.”

//Involve all partners in the cork value chain //

The ONAGRI document underlines “the impact of the cumulative delay in carrying out the annual cork harvesting programmes,” leading to “large quantities of cork left standing and unharvested, thereby losing their technological qualities and lowering the unit price,” in addition to non-compliance with harvesting regulations (plots of land either totally unharvested or only partially harvested).

This situation means a loss of income for the State (lower foreign currency earnings), but als
o for the forestry administration, whose revenues are falling as fewer corks are put up for sale. The local population will have fewer working days, with a loss of local know-how and profits will also drop for the cork-processing industry.

Three workshops were organised on the cork oak, the last of which was held at the National Institute of Field Crops (INGC) in Bousalem on March 6, 2024, at the initiative of the Directorate General of Forests, to draw up an action plan dedicated to improving the cork sector, especially the harvesting stage.

The ensuing draft action plan calls for a study of the cork value chain and a manual of procedures for awarding contracts for cork harvesting, as well as amendments to the specifications for forestry work.

It also recommends gradually raising the loans earmarked for forestry work by the company.

The ONAGRI document recommends that all partners in the Tunisian cork value chain (Administration, population, industrialists, civil society, etc.), each in their own field,
should be involved in order to participate effectively in the implementation of the recommended action plan to ensure a new revival of this sector, the sustainability of natural resources and socio-economic development of the Tunisian cork oak forests.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: The 6th Tunisian Cultural and Economic Days in Toulouse (JCETT) will continue in this south-western French city until May 18, with an exhibition of Tunisian products and cultural and folklore shows, according to the Export Promotion Centre (CEPEX).

Some 20 Tunisian exhibitors are taking part, including craftsmen, representatives of travel agencies and producers of local products.

They will be exhibiting olive oil, spices and aromatic herbs, traditional harissa, dates, pastries, organic cosmetics, ceramics, traditional jewellery and clothing on the Allée Jean Jaurès and the Ramblas.

These days, which began on 25 April, are an opportunity to showcase Tunisian culture and heritage, as well as the country’s tourist attractions.

They are organised by the JCETT association, the Tunisian consulate in Toulouse and the Tunisian embassy in France, in partnership with Toulouse City Council, CEPEX, ONTT, ONA and Tunisair.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: The Sidi Bou Said hill is at risk of landslides, according to the acting director-general of the Coastal Protection and Development Agency (French: APAL), Mehdi Belhaj, who added that the risk and extent of the expected slides can only be assessed after an accurate diagnosis of the situation.

In an interview with TAP TV, Belhaj explained that the erosion of the hill from below is the result of marine erosion, pointing out that the quality of the hill’s soil makes it vulnerable to erosion.

The official pointed out that the top of the hill is also at risk of slipping as it has started to slide due to the rains, pointing out that there are slides under the Ennejma Ezzahra Palace.

Belhaj warned that breaches in residential construction on the hill contribute to this imminent danger, pointing out that during the first inspection carried out at the end of 2023, there were suspicions of other factors causing this danger, such as water infiltration in addition to irrigation and swimming pool water.

He stre
ssed that the risk and extent of the expected slides could only be assessed after a thorough diagnosis of the situation.

In April 2024, the Coastal Protection and Development Agency issued a call for tenders to carry out a six-month technical study to diagnose the situation, propose solutions and estimate the cost of the work.

The agency received 400,000 dinars from the Ministry of Finance for the study, he said.

The study will select the appropriate solutions for the hill by applying geotechnical solutions, he said, adding that the intervention will take place after the study is completed and the quality of the interventions is determined, expecting a stone chain to be among the solutions.

He stressed that the intervention programme will be carried out at the level of the entire hill, starting with the most dangerous areas.

This can happen on any mountain anywhere in the world, but the important thing is to intervene in time,” he said.

On January 29, a technical working meeting was held at the headquar
ters of the Sidi Bou Said municipality, chaired by the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Fisheries, Abdelmonem Belati, to discuss practical solutions to the landslide situation on the Sidi Bou Said plateau and around the Ennejma Ezzahra palace.

The Minister emphasised the need for rapid action to prioritise the need for intervention and to act proactively to reduce potential risks.

Sidi Bou Said is a tourist suburb 20 kilometres north-east of Tunis. The suburb is the world’s first protected medieval site, perched high on a cliff overlooking Carthage and the Gulf of Tunis.

Tunisia is seeking to inscribe the historic village of Sidi Bou Said on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

On March 2, 2024, a working meeting at the Ministry of Culture brought together the then Minister of Culture, Hayet Kettat Guermazi, and the head of the cultural programme at the UNESCO Office for the Arab Maghreb, Karim Hendili, to discuss the possibility of such an application.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse