Tunisia's Central Bank Governor, Fethi Zouhaier Nouri, has emphasized the need for the country to move beyond mere survival and focus on creating wealth. This statement was made during a meeting with Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaye, the World Bank's Country Director for the Maghreb and Malta, and Ary Naim, the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) Director for Africa. The meeting was attended by BCT officials and a World Bank delegation.
Governor Nouri highlighted Tunisia's resilience in the face of climate and geopolitical shocks, but stressed that a new approach is necessary. He pointed to the country's efforts to maintain a stable exchange rate and healthy foreign exchange reserves. Nouri also emphasized the importance of revitalizing private investment, a key area of focus for the BCT. He praised the strong cooperation with the World Bank and its consistent support.
The World Bank's Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaye reaffirmed the institution's commitment to providing comprehensive solutions to its member countries, particularly in infrastructure development and private sector support. He described the partnership with Tunisia as exemplary, characterized by concrete project implementation and tangible results. Ary Naim of the IFC underscored Tunisia's significant potential and expressed the IFC's desire to substantially increase financing for the country.
Nouri, Ndiaye, and Naim discussed potential areas of collaboration, including investments in the phosphate sector and renewable energy. The IFC plans to support large-scale infrastructure projects and help Tunisian companies expand internationally by facilitating access to financing through various tools and mechanisms. The meeting highlighted the importance of accelerating projects and investments to drive economic growth.
Governor Nouri's call for a shift in approach reflects a recognition that Tunisia has made significant strides in maintaining economic stability. However, he emphasized that the country must now focus on driving growth and development. This requires a renewed emphasis on investment, particularly in key sectors such as phosphate and renewable energy.
The World Bank and IFC have expressed their commitment to supporting Tunisia's development goals. The two institutions are poised to play a significant role in helping the country address its economic challenges and capitalize on its potential. Their support is expected to help drive growth, create jobs, and improve living standards.
The meeting between Governor Nouri, Ndiaye, and Naim underscores the importance of international cooperation in driving economic development. Tunisia's partnership with the World Bank and IFC is seen as a key factor in the country's efforts to achieve sustainable growth and development. The country's future economic prospects are expected to be shaped by its ability to attract investment and drive growth in key sectors.
Key points
- Tunisia's Central Bank Governor Fethi Zouhaier Nouri calls for a shift from crisis resistance to wealth creation.
- The World Bank and IFC have expressed their commitment to supporting Tunisia's development goals.
- The meeting highlighted the importance of accelerating projects and investments to drive economic growth.
