Generalizes on the best strategy to enter the market, e.g., visiting the country; importance of relationships to finding a good partner; use of agents.
Last Published: 7/14/2019

Tunisia is an attractive market for investment in export-oriented businesses.  The GOT’s investment promotion authority provides a generous package of incentives for such operations.  The government also offers similar incentives to those who wish to invest in onshore projects in Tunisia’s underserved interior regions.    

Entering the domestic market, particularly the services sector, is more difficult.  In most sectors, a foreign company must have a Tunisian partner with a 51% (majority) stake in the venture.  Unless the company is working on a project actively solicited by the Tunisian government, the process can be fraught with obstacles.  As the GOT looks to increase foreign investment, certain requirements may become less burdensome.  Under the 2016 Investment Law, projects in certain sectors will be prioritized for rapid approval. 
U.S. companies are strongly advised to obtain written confirmation from Tunisian authorities of any exceptional conditions granted to a particular trade or investment operation.  The U.S. Embassy encourages companies to visit Tunisia prior to entering into a business relationship with a local partner.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.