Tunisia will have to mobilize nearly $ 75 billion in infrastructure investments by 2040, while current financing capacities do not exceed $ 54 billion.
This was revealed by Karim Bouaouni, head of the investment center at the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) and Managing Director in charge of management within this institution.
Intervening during a conference organized recently by the Tuniso-Suisse de Commerce and Industry Chamber on foreign direct investment in Tunisia, Bouaouni stressed that the use of public-private partnerships (PPP) could constitute a viable solution to fill this funding deficit.
According to him, investment in infrastructure remains a safe investment, even in times of economic slowdown. As such, he highlighted the role that the CDC can play to support this type of partnerships.
However, Bouaouni did not fail to recall the obstacles that still slow down the development of PPPs in Tunisia. He cited in particular the results of a study carried out by the European Investment Bank, which points to the lack of specialized skills, the inadequacies of the legislative framework, as well as the weakness of the financing mechanisms adapted to infrastructure projects.
The event, held at the end of last week, brought together several economic players and representatives of public organizations involved in promoting investment in Tunisia.