Decreasing Number of Sub-Saharan Students in Tunisia

The number of tourists that visited Tunisia thus far in 2017 reached 4.58 million according to the Tunisian Ministry of Tourism in a statement reported by the local media. The Tunisian radio did not specify, however, what was the rate of tourism growth compared to the same period of last year. According to FM Radio Express, tourists from neighbouring countries numbered 1.45 million of this overall figure, or 60.7% more compared to 2016. Up by 16%, the increase in the number of European tourists is also substantial, per the Tunisian Ministry of Tourism of the anticipated total 6.5 million tourists this year. These statistics were however objected to in Tunisia where some observers noted that these included all non-residents, i.e. Tunisians living abroad as well as a decreasing number of sub-Saharan students in Tunisia. Wagdy Sawahel, in a University World News of September 1st, 2017, Issue No:472  elaborates on this particular segment . . .

IMF Fiscal Transparency Evaluation for Tunisia

An IMF Fiscal Transparency Evaluation for Tunisia was published last week. It is based on the following understanding. Fiscal transparency – the comprehensiveness, clarity, reliability, timeliness, and relevance of public reporting on the past, present, and future state of public finances – is critical for effective fiscal management and accountability. It helps ensure that governments have an accurate picture of their finances when making economic decisions, including of the costs and benefits of policy changes and potential risks to public finances. It also provides legislatures, markets, and citizens with the information they need to hold governments accountable. The Fiscal Transparency Code and Evaluation are the key elements of the IMF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen fiscal surveillance, policymaking, and accountability among its member countries. The IMF has today published a Fiscal Transparency Evaluation (FTE) report for Tunisia . . . .

Tunisian Olive Oil International Sfax Meetings

Or to revitalize the now fashionable ‘Med Diet’
Sfax in Tunisia is to play host to an International Business Meetings on the Tunisian Olive Oil on November 9 through 11th . It is organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sfax (CCIS) with the aim to promote worldwide the Tunisian olive oil in all its varieties. Tunisian Olive Oil International Sfax Meetings aim also at giving opportunities to establish links between Tunisian exporters, purchasing groups and world importers, through partnership meetings and other exhibitions on the region’s agricultural capabilities.
Trade and exports are ultimately at the base of these three-days’ international meetings that are meant to like elsewhere in the Mediterranean to revitalize the now fashionable ‘Med Diet’.
According to the World Bank and , five years after the Revolution, Tunisia’s economic performance remains weak, with growth too low to make a significant dent on unemployment, poverty and inequality amid widening fiscal and current account deficits. The country is presently relying on agricultural development, performance of which made a commendable effort in 2015, as driven by outstanding production notably in olive oil exports that generated €917.2m. This combined with falling oil prices helped reduce the trade deficit from €6.3bn of 2014 to €550.3m in 2015.

Tunisia’s ‘thirst uprising’ warning ?

Is Tunisia heading toward a ‘thirst uprising’? Asked Perrine Massy in her article posted on Al Monitor of September 16th, 2016. The question seems to date not to get any answer soon in view of the plethora of recent articles on the subject. We reproduce here an interesting one of Today with the AFP whom perhaps on a rebound on events of 2011, does appear to cover every sign of however insignificance of contestation from the Tunisian people. In any case, would Tunisia’s ‘thirst uprising’ warning take any water now that the rainy season is in sight?
Tunisia water shortages spark ‘thirst uprising’ warning. Activists are warning of a potential “thirst uprising” in Tunisia following protests over severe water shortages after one of the North African nation’s driest summers on record.
Residents in the interior are suffering long water supply cuts, reservoirs are running dry and farmers are seeing significant losses, adding to social tensions in a country still struggling with instability since its 2011 revolution