Tunisia's footwear industry has been in decline for over a decade, with a significant decrease in the number of enterprises and jobs. According to Wajdi Dhoui, president of the National Union of Artisans of Leather and Footwear, the industry's problems began with the lack of enforcement of laws regulating the market. This has led to the proliferation of informal sectors and second-hand goods, which now account for 80% of the market. The industry's decline has resulted in a significant loss of jobs and a decrease in production.
The lack of skilled labor is another major challenge facing the industry. Dhoui attributes this to the Ministry of Vocational Training and Employment's failure to provide training programs for specialized workers. Despite having training centers in various regions, the ministry has not made an effort to provide the necessary training. This has led to a shortage of qualified workers, forcing some Tunisian brands to abandon local production and opt for imports. The industry's decline has also led to a significant decrease in the number of artisans, from 6,000 to 1,500.
Rising production costs and a lack of raw materials, particularly leather, have further exacerbated the industry's problems. Dhoui notes that the industry's difficulties have been compounded by an increase in taxes and a lack of support from the government. Some large national brands have permanently closed, and those that continue to produce face significant financial and structural challenges. The industry's decline has resulted in a loss of reputation and revenue for the country.
Despite the challenges, Dhoui notes that Tunisian footwear remains a high-quality product with a solid international reputation. However, the industry's decline has resulted in a significant decrease in exports. The government's failure to support the industry has led to a brain drain, with many skilled workers seeking employment abroad. The industry's decline has also had a negative impact on the country's economy.
To address the industry's challenges, Dhoui is calling for a ministerial council to discuss the sector's problems. He believes that this is the only way to save what remains of the industry. The council would bring together representatives from various government ministries and industry stakeholders to discuss solutions to the industry's challenges. Dhoui emphasizes that the industry's survival depends on the government's support and intervention.
The decline of the footwear industry has significant implications for the country's economy and employment. The industry once employed nearly 75,000 people, but this number has been halved. Artisans now work an average of only three months a year, and many have been forced to seek alternative employment. The industry's decline has also resulted in a loss of revenue for the government.
The industry's stakeholders are urging the government to take immediate action to address the challenges facing the sector. They believe that with the right support and intervention, the industry can be revived and its reputation restored. The government must take concrete steps to support the industry, including providing training programs for workers and enforcing laws regulating the market.
Key points
- The Tunisian footwear industry faces a severe crisis due to the growth of the informal sector, lack of skilled labor, and rising production costs.
- The industry's decline has resulted in a significant loss of jobs and a decrease in production.
- A ministerial council is needed to discuss the sector's problems and find solutions to save what remains of the industry.
