November 29th & 30th, 2016
A democratic Tunisia on the path of inclusive and sustainable development
After nearly four years of consultations and efforts, supported by the international community, the political transition is well underway: the first free and fair elections took place at the end of 2014, leading to the establishment of democratic and legitimate institutions on a national level.
As soon as the Government came into power in early 2015, an inclusive dialogue was initiated with different stakeholders, both at national and regional levels, in an aim to define a model of economic and social development that is inclusive and sustainable: the 2016-2020 Development Plan, put forward by the Tunisian Government, is the distillation of this process.
This Plan focuses on five lines of actions:
1. Good governance, administrative reform and fight against corruption;
2. Transition from a low-cost economy to an economic hub;
3. Human development and social inclusion;
4. Realizing the ambitions of the regions;
5. The green economy, a pillar of sustainable development.
In parallel, the Tunisian Government is committed to conducting multiple structural reforms, in all areas, to achieve greater efficiency and to foster private investment.
To promote this new paradigm, the Tunisian Government invites the international community, counting on the representation of all its members at the highest levels, to a conference on the 29th and 30th of November 2016 in Tunis. First, this conference will begin with a pledging conference. Then, secondly, the conference will put light on the axes and on the structural projects listed in the Development Plan, as well as on the investment opportunities offered to private operators.
The conference aims to achieve the following objectives:
1. Promote the 2016-2020 Development Plan, its objectives and policy choices, as well as the major balances and financing needs;
2. Present the agenda of reforms of the Tunisian Government, aiming at:
a. Bringing the State apparatus to a higher level of efficiency ;
b. Improving Tunisia's attractiveness for private operators, whether local or foreign, by enhancing the legal framework for investment.
3. Raise the funds to finance the development of the major infrastructure projects, notably through public-private partnership schemes;
4. Assist private investors to identify, very specifically, sectors and positions in value chains worthy of interest in every region of the country.
Conference program: November 29th & 30th, 2016
PLEDGING CONFERENCE: ON THE MORNING OF THE 29TH OF NOVEMBER
On the first half of the first day, the pledging conference will be opened and hosted by the President of the Tunisian Republic:
a. Tunisian officials will present the Development Plan, the agenda of reforms and the fiscal balances;
b. Country representatives and heads of international institutions will announce their support, by the way of a contribution to the budget and/or to the financing of the projects listed in the Development Plan;
c. This first half day will be concluded by a joint statement, and then the President will host a lunch at the Presidential Palace.
THE CONFERENCE GOING FORWARD: THE WORKSHOPS
1. Afternoon of the 29th of November: curbing regional disparities, the necessary efforts and opportunities
a. Providing infrastructure to improve links with the most isolated areas, and enhancing public services
b. Capacity building
c. Comparative advantages, sectors and industries presenting an opportunity for investors
2. Gala Dinner (Host: Head of Government)
3. Morning of the 30th of November: a green economy for a sustainable development
a. Renewable energy: solar and wind
b. Agriculture and water management
c. Collecting and recycling waste
4. Afternoon of the 30th of November: Tunisia, a regional economic hub for the export of high value added goods and services
a. Historic sectors : textile, tourism and health
b. Transformative industries: automotive and aerospace
c. Innovative sectors: software development
