They said | The Press of Tunisia

Issam Chouchen, President of the Finance Committee

“The primary objective of the draft law on combating financial exclusion, currently under discussion, is to integrate disadvantaged and low-income categories into the economic and financial system. It also aims to digitally integrate groups not included in the banking sector and not involved in financial transactions. Another goal is to reduce the use of cash. This project to combat financial exclusion also aims to bring financial services closer to citizens in the interior regions and encourage them to engage in microfinance and investment, which will create wealth. According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Finance, the interior regions suffer from a great lack of banking financial institutions, unlike the availability of Tunisian postal centers in various regions. It is due to this situation that the idea of supporting the postal bank was born. The Finance Committee is currently conducting a series of consultations to create a postal fund. This fund will allow the integration of a greater number of citizens into the economic system, either through savings or by encouraging small loans to start projects.”

As for the interest rate of the Postal Bank, it will not be as high as bank interests. This measure will create competition among different financial institutions to put pressure on interest rates and further encourage loan approval through facilitation measures. The difference with this bill is that it facilitates the loan approval process and they are granted without collateral. This project will include all age groups and will also put an end to the lengthy procedures and exorbitant delays practiced by traditional banks.”

Sami Erraies, Member of the National Independent Bloc

“The legislative initiative presented by 17 members of parliament aims to revise the 2016 Investment Code. This initiative comes in the context of the country’s difficult economic situation. This initiative includes 22 chapters, 10 of which constitute amendments to the previous law. The main objective of revising the 2016 Investment Code is to focus primarily on absolute freedom of investment in all areas in Tunisia. Submission to authorization should become the exception and should be granted within a specific period not exceeding 3 months. This revision of the Investment Code will also simplify and digitize investment procedures. It will also aim to promote exports through the creation of a unified national digital platform for investment within the Tunisian Investment Authority. This platform covers all services provided to investors and includes all public structures involved in the investment field. It is necessary to simplify the procedures related to investment by extending the investment authorization period. The new legislative initiative includes financial and customs incentives to encourage both foreign and Tunisian investors. It is also essential to develop financing mechanisms for projects benefiting SMEs and young entrepreneurs.”