Kasbah — American economy professor Joseph Stiglitz, winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize, said he had discussed with the Tunisian government members "the various aspects of the country's economic transition, notably the imperative of creating jobs and devising strategies to achieve a better economic growth."

Mr. Stiglitz had on Friday a working session with several ministers in charge of economic and social affairs and the ministries' senior executives. He was also received by Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali.

Briefing the press, he said that "today, the country should take up the challenge of succeeding its transition in a period of turbulence on the international markets," specifying that "we discussed the steps made by Tunisia and the huge challenges it has to take on, within a context characterised by a very volatile world economy and recession in Europe, which is Tunisia's most important economic partner."

Minister to the Prime Minister in charge of Economic Affairs Ridha Saidi pointed out that the meeting had turned on five chapters.

The first concerns the economic policies in a transition period, the State's role and reform priorities.

The second regards the monetary policies in a transition period and economic relaunch.

The third is related to the control of the State's general budget deficit within a context of increasing social transfers.

The fourth touches on the balanced economic development as part of a participatory approach; and the fifth pertains to the prospects of the international economic situation and the foreign direct investments flow.

The meeting, Mr. Saidi added, had represented an opportunity to review the key issues and submit important recommendations.

He also spoke of the Prime Minister's meeting with Mr. Stiglitz on the economic challenges that Tunisia would have to take on during the coming stage, the priorities of the social policies and conciliating between the country's monetary, financial and fiscal policies in the service of the general interest.

The discussions also turned on the achievement of the Revolution objectives in matters of employment, balanced regional development, social justice and anti-corruption fight.

On Saturday, Mr. Stiglitz will take part in the national conference on "Launch of the 2013 Pre-Budgetary Consultations" and, on Monday, he is to lecture at the Higher Economic Studies Institute on the role of banking system in strengthening economic policies.