Six months after its popular revolution ignited a series of revolts across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Tunisia is at the show promising aerospace investors "new opportunities in a new country".
Many large companies had already set up shop under the previous government, attracted by Tunisia's educated workforce and various financial incentives. They include big French names Aeroconseil, Aerolia, Latecoere and Zodiac, as well as Sabena Technics and Hutchinson.
Not only did none of them desert during the uprising - which removed veteran President Ben Ali - but the economy is now more stable and open to overseas investment, said Wassim Srarfi, secretary general of GITAS, Tunisia's aerospace industry association.
"Even during the revolution, no-one suffered any damages or wanted to leave," he said. "But now we can progress in a more peaceful, transparent society with less corruption and have confidence in the future in Tunisia."
Among the incentives being offered by Tunisia include the right of foreign investors to hold 100% of a venture and repatriate profits or proceeds from the sale of assets, and preferential trade agreements with the EU and many MENA countries.
- All the latest news, images and video from the 2011 Paris air show
Source: Flight Daily News
