Final report : Tunisia, urban implications of export-oriented economic development

However, the transition to an export-oriented economy would have significant implications for the country"s urban infrastructure and populations, especially in the densely populated east coast, where most of the export enterprises are expected to locate. This report assesses the country"s capacity to take advantage of these new economic opportunities on the basis of available institutional capacity, human resources, and economic infrastructure in the affected cities. Individual chapters discuss: (1) Tunisia"s urban setting in terms of the national space plan, the national transportation network, urban population, housing and land, and the environment; (2) employment and related policies; (3) infrastructure services; (4) the roles of regional councils, governorates, and municipalities; and (5) municipal finance (i.e., revenues, expenditures, and reserves). A final chapter summarizes the urban implications of an export promotion strategy and recommends a series of program guidelines. A major conclusion is that only a small number of urban areas are capable of fully and positively responding to the new export-oriented policies and programs. Even in these areas, success will be dependent on a partnership between local government and entrepreneurs, cooperative efforts of all levels of government.