Privatization schemes in Tunisia are forecasted to generate 475 million dinars ($352.7 million) in 2002 compared to TD 130 million in 2001. Some four companies were transferred to the private sector this year compared to 12 firms last year, reported Reuters.
The government received a payment of $227 million this past May for the sale of its second GSM mobile phone license to Egypt’s Orascom Telecom for $454 million. The outstanding balance will be paid off by September 2004.
The Tunisian government has so far privatized 162 companies, either parastatal or state-owned, in line with a program launched back in 1987. Following a “policy of state withdrawal from competitive sectors” aimed towards a free market economy; Tunisia’s privatization scheme has put $1.6 billion into the state coffers over the past 15 years. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
