The government of Tunisia is setting up a number of social measures to mitigate Covid-19 impacts on the economy and the population. PM Hichem Mechichi reported that Covid-affected companies will benefit from 5,000 credits worth TND5,000 ($1,835) each. The facilities will be granted under “very affordable” rate with a year of grace for repayment.

Authorities also plan to postpone the payment of employer contributions to the second quarter and provide financial assistance to companies. Beneficiary companies are required to register on a special platform designed for this purpose. Another measure concerns tax exemption until the end of this year. "Small artisans and traders will be exempt from taxes until the end of the current fiscal year, without penalties,” the PM said.

These measures are part of the business support policy initiated by the government to assist businesses hard hit by the pandemic. Between the closure of borders and gathering places, the introduction of a curfew and the recent lockdown, Tunisia has experienced a decline in activities mainly in tourism, crafts and trade.

Hichem Mechichi stressed the importance of continuing the vaccination campaign for a real recovery of economic activity. As a reminder, Tunisia has already recorded 322,998 cases of Covid and 11,556 deaths.

Carine Sossoukpè (intern)