Scoping of the Tunisian Economy

Abstract

In this scoping paper we review the historical background of the Tunisian economy, which has undergone substantial structural change since independence in 1956. In particular we emphasize that a past record of consistent growth has often masked inequality, regional disparities and high unemployment rates among educated youth. We then evaluate the performance of manufacturing industry over the past five decades in terms of exports, production and foreign direct investment. We conclude with a review of the main industrial policies undertaken by the government since independence