Time is right for business in Tunisia

Despite Tunisia’s political turbulences and incertitude, some experts believe that it is the right moment to venture into the North African country and seize the opportunity that it offers. Oualid Hamdi believes that the negative ratings of major credit ratings agencies and the standoff between the government and the secular opposition parties should not deter business projects.
Tunisia has remain relatively in stable since President Ben Ali was forced from power more than 2years ago but Oualid Hamdi, an international marketing expert at the Deutsche Telekom Group, claims that the positive aspects should not be ignored.
According to him, Tunisians have become more determined and competitive and developed the “survivor instinct” due to the lack of jobs.  Hamdi added that the youths are conscious of the situation and have repeatedly told him they know “the government cannot do anything for me now.” Mr. Hamdi who is also the co-founder of the start-up MeetJockey, member and coach of the association Start-up Système Tunsie (SUST), and an enthusiastic entrepreneur and business angel said it’s more assuring and less risky to work with the youths.
Investors have begun venturing in Tunisia once they have realistic market analysis and promising return on investment. Hamdi stated that he is “surprised by the willingness of funders” for good projects. Businesses are expected to always prosper in Tunisia because Tunisians are always interested in trying out new things and a considerable lack of online offers and services in the country.
Entrepreneurs are now free from political hassle since the departure of Ben Ali. Ideas are abundant but the support is lacking and Hamdi believes it offers an immense opportunity to investors. Nevertheless, foreign companies have been leaving Tunisia due to the fragile political stability the country is experiencing.