Tunisia's Publishing Industry Expands with Sharjah Free Zone

The Sharjah Publishing City (SPC Free Zone) has grown to host over 540 publishing houses from more than 80 countries, including Tunisia, as it seeks to become a hub for the publishing industry. Egypt leads the list of countries with the most publishing houses in the city, followed by Syria, Lebanon, and other Arab and foreign countries. This diverse presence reflects the cultural and economic richness of the SPC Free Zone.

The SPC Free Zone offers a range of incentives to attract publishers from Tunisia, the Arab world, and beyond. According to Seif Al Suwaidi, director of the free zone, the city provides comprehensive services, including assistance with setting up a business, obtaining a commercial license, and legislative and legal support. The tax system is also favorable, with a corporate tax rate of only 9%, which is only applied if a company's profits exceed $100,000.

The SPC Free Zone's support for publishers extends beyond the initial setup phase. Al Suwaidi noted that the city offers flexible administrative services, advanced storage facilities, and protection of intellectual property rights, as well as marketing support. These services aim to provide a safe and stimulating environment for publishers, especially those just starting out. The free zone's focus on innovation and investment is designed to develop the knowledge industry.

The SPC Free Zone is not just a traditional hub for book printing, but a comprehensive platform for digital innovation. The city is home to specialized companies that convert printed books into audio and visual content, as well as literary texts into animated films. This focus on digital transformation reflects the changing nature of the publishing industry.

To reduce the financial burden on investors, the SPC Free Zone has signed over 116 strategic partnerships with major companies and service providers. These partnerships offer discounted support services, with discounts of up to 60%. This enables publishers to benefit from logistical services at the lowest possible cost.

The SPC Free Zone offers investors a range of activities, including over 1,800 commercial activities, such as publishing services for companies and publishing houses. The free zone's goal is to build bridges between different countries and cultures, promoting international partnerships and exchange of publishing rights.

The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, which took place from November 4-15, provided an opportunity for the SPC Free Zone to showcase its services and highlight its role as a hub for the publishing industry. The free zone's focus on innovation, investment, and partnership reflects its commitment to developing the knowledge industry and promoting cultural exchange.

Key points

• The SPC Free Zone offers a range of incentives, including a favorable tax system and flexible administrative services, to attract publishers from Tunisia and beyond.