Tunisian Confederation of Industry: Authorities Should Announce Economic State of Emergency

An elderly man wearing a face mask due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the central market in Tunis. AFP file photo
An elderly man wearing a face mask due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the central market in Tunis. AFP file photo
TT
20

Tunisian Confederation of Industry: Authorities Should Announce Economic State of Emergency

An elderly man wearing a face mask due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the central market in Tunis. AFP file photo
An elderly man wearing a face mask due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the central market in Tunis. AFP file photo

The President of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, Samir Majoul, called on the government to activate the state of emergency to salvage the economy.

Earlier, the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) predicted a sharp economic contraction during Q2 of 2020, ranging between 10 and 12 percent, with the unemployment rate predicted to increase to 21.6 percent, a rise of no less than 274,500 unemployed citizens.

Majoul called for creating the necessary conditions to revive the economy by expediting major reforms, boost development and support all sectors.

This year, the Tunisian economy recorded its worst result since 1997, and the head of National Institute of Statistics, Adnen Lassoued, revealed that the economy fell over 21 percent.

The contraction hit major sectors, affecting mainly the service industry.

Hotels, restaurants, and cafes contracted 77.5 percent and the transport sector 51.4 percent, in addition to the 15.8 percent contraction of the non-marketed service sector, mainly paid by the administration.

Meanwhile, the added value of industries dropped 27 percent due to the noticeable decline in the production of exported industries, similar to the textile and clothing sector, which suffered the largest loss of 42 percent.

The exports of the mechanical and electrical industries decreased 35.9 percent, and the added value of the building materials saw a significant decline of 38.4 percent, following the sharp drop in construction.

Economic and financial experts believe an economic recovery depends on the ability to control the coronavirus pandemic in Tunisia and its partner European countries.

Tunisian economist Ezzeddine Saidane stressed that overcoming the economic downturn requires large financial resources that the country does not possess over the authorities’ failure to resort to the international financial market as a result of the continuous reduction of the credit rating since 2011.

Saidane noted that relying on local resources requires exceptional solutions, such as adopting a different monetary policy.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was not satisfied with this financial policy that directed development and investment funds to bridge the budget deficit over the past years.

He said that this policy puts the Tunisian economy in a vicious circle.



Saudi Arabia Calls for Global Water Cooperation to Advance Integrated Management

The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (11th World Water Forum 2027 | Riyadh 2027 on X)
The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (11th World Water Forum 2027 | Riyadh 2027 on X)
TT
20

Saudi Arabia Calls for Global Water Cooperation to Advance Integrated Management

The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (11th World Water Forum 2027 | Riyadh 2027 on X)
The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (11th World Water Forum 2027 | Riyadh 2027 on X)

The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday with the participation of top scientists, experts, decision-makers from around the world.

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley, with the participation of World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon, inaugurated the official logo of the World Water Forum 2027.

In his remarks, Alfadley emphasized Saudi Arabia’s call for strengthened international cooperation and joint efforts among countries and organizations to tackle global water challenges. He underscored the importance of ensuring universal access to water and sanitation services as a key pillar in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

“Saudi Arabia prioritizes the water sector through various measures, including the adoption of a national strategy encompassing water production, storage, transportation, distribution, treatment, and reuse, all within a comprehensive institutional framework,” Alfadley added.

He further stated that the Kingdom has implemented Integrated Water Resources Management and enhanced supply chain governance. This is supported by the release of a long-term supply and demand plan that extends to 2050, alongside a commitment to environmental, social, and economic considerations in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Highlighting the Kingdom's leading role in supporting regional and international water issues, Alfadley pointed to the launching of the Global Water Organization, aimed at fostering international collaboration, and the establishment of an International Water Research Center focused on water economics, water security, advanced technologies, and digital transformation.

Fauchon said the council, in collaboration with Saudi authorities, has developed a comprehensive framework outlining the thematic, regional, and political components that will shape the roadmap for the 11th edition of the forum that is being held in the Middle East for the first time.

He stressed the need to make water a top global priority, adding that this gathering will lay the foundation for future water policies. “The way ahead is still long, but we are confident we’re on the right path toward real solutions—solutions that can change lives,” he said.

Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Dr. Abdulaziz Alshaibani underscored the urgency of the current moment, describing the preparatory meeting as a call for serious and immediate action. Alshaibani emphasized the need to build upon existing progress in the water sector and to move decisively towards solidifying priorities.

He stressed the importance of greater coherence and integration across all sectors, along with the unification of all efforts, to achieve tangible solutions to global water challenges and to meet SDG 6. Alshaibani further noted that effective solutions must be anchored in several key pillars, including financing, innovation, diplomacy, and environmental considerations.

The World Water Forum 2027, organized by the World Water Council in Saudi Arabia, is a significant international platform for exchanging ideas and experiences in water management.