Reported investment in the industrial sector showed a notable increase of 11.2% in the first nine months of 2023. They reached TND 1,783.4 million, compared to TND 1,603.4 million in the corresponding period of 2022, according to the Economic Bulletin for September 2023 published on Tuesday by the Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation (APII). The number of reported investment operations amounted to 2,270, an increase of 5.1% compared to the same period of 2022. These projects are expected to create 33,081 jobs. This increase mainly concerns the agri-food industry (+4.9%), building materials, ceramics and glass (+17.0%), chemicals (+89.2%), textiles and clothing (+37.7%) and other sectors (+14.2%). It is worth mentioning that 50% of the reported investments are focused on new projects, which went up by 14.3% to TND 895.5 million. Investments reported for purposes other than the creation of new projects, such as expansion or replacement of equipment, have reached TND 887.8 million, an increase of 8.3%. These investments will lead to the creation of 14,671 jobs. Investment intentions in export-oriented industries increased by 11.9% to reach TND 809.3 million. This increase mainly affects the mechanical and electrical industries, construction materials, ceramics and glass, chemicals, textiles and garments. Domestically-focused industries grew by 10.7% to a total of TND 974 million, while foreign and partnership industrial investment increased by 4.1% to TND 371.2 million. The first nine months of 2023 were also marked by a notable 17.2% improvement in reported investment in regional development zones, amounting to TND 881.9 million.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse