PG VI TUNISIE

This new credit line is intended to continue providing, through selected financial intermediaries, long-term finance for new investments and for the extension, modernisation or rehabilitation of projects carried out by private Tunisian companies operating in all industrial and services sectors. This EIB lending operation under the ENP MED 2007-2013 mandate is aimed at helping Tunisia by providing support for the Banking sector during the current period of democratic transition in the form of a credit line dedicated to private sector development, with a particular emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The objective of this global loan is to foster a more diversified market economy and promote the emergence and development of Tunisian SMEs in order to contribute to the recovery of the Tunisian economy and the fight against unemployment.

No specific environmental impact has been identified at this stage. However, the financial intermediaries of the proposed global loan will be informed of the Bank's environmental requirements and will be asked to complete environmental summary sheets. Tunisian environmental legislation is comparable in many respects to existing Directives in the European Union. Under this legislation, the promoter is obliged to carry out a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for all major projects in close coordination with the local authorities and the Agence Nationale de Protection de l'Environnement (ANPE) [the national environmental protection agency]. Where applicable, the ANPE's approval will be requested.

The Bank will require the institutions to ensure that all the procurement procedures applied by the final beneficiaries for the EIB-financed sub-projects comply with the EIB's Procurement Guide.

This operation is covered by the EU Guarantee for EIB loans outside the EU.