Brussels, 04/05/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 2 May, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced the official launch of a support programme for Tunisian SMEs in the services sector. This initiative is part of the PACS Programme (Programme d'Appui à la Compétitivité des Services) which has been granted funding by the EU amounting to €20 million, €10 million of which will be allocated by the EBRD.
The EBRD will use this sum of €10 million to provide direct support to Tunisian SMEs and professional bodies in the services sectors (transport and logistics, ICT, professional services, tourism and craft industries). The bank states that the support will involve providing advice and technical assistance in the areas of strategy, organisation, human resources, IT systems, quality systems, engineering and promoting exports. The EBRD has been investing in Tunisia since 2012 and has funded more than 20 projects in the private sector to the tune of some €300 million. (Original version in French by Fathi B'Chir)