Tunis — Tunisia's economy and its enterprises, are well integrated in the Euro-Med free exchange zone, and are looking forward to boost this process within the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean, said Mr Afif Chelbi, Minister of Industry, Energy and Small and Medium Enterprises during the 23 rd session of the "Days of the Enterprise" in Sousse.

Tunisian exports were multiplied fourfold between 1995 and 2008, increasing from 2, 3 billion Euros to more than 10 billion Euros, he said. As a result, Tunisia is the top exporter south of the Mediterranean.

The aim is to reach 20 billion Euros by 2016, he added. Mr Chelbi highlighted the fact that the number of European companies which have settled in Tunisia has more than doubled from 1200 companies in 1995 to 2500 in 2008, making Tunisia the southern Mediterranean country that attracts the greatest number of European companies.

The Minister also said that plans to boost the economy should not be limited to Europe, as growth and competitiveness can also be sought in southern countries which have been witnessing years of significant growth.

"The Days of the Enterprize", which gather decision makers and entrepreneurs from the world of industry, aims at promoting business opportunities between both shores of the Mediterranean, as well as between countries of the south.

The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Industry and Small and Medium Enterprizes and the Arab Institute of Heads of Enterprizes (IACE).