UTICA: economy, foundation of democratic transition process

The Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA) emphasised the need to place the economy at the heart of concerns, as one of the foundations of success of the democratic transition process and, accordingly, the materialisation of the Revolution objectives.The employers' organisation emphasised, in a statement released on Wednesday, that the Tunisian people exercised their right to vote in the elections which it described as "impartial and transparent, according to most observers." It is now necessary to entrench the principle of freedom of investment and encourage private initiative and integration into the global economy. The point is, according to the UTICA, to strengthen infrastructure in different regions of the country and adopt a clear strategy to promote all sectors, particularly those with high added-value. "The National Constituent Assembly and the different national political forces should lend a listening ear to private sector's representatives and further involve them in the vital economic issues," said the statement, calling also to "focus on the problems of Tunisian and foreign businesses to help them fully play their role." The UTICA also stresses the need to ensure social stability and peace in the next stage and establish an environment conducive to investment in the different regions of the country likely to generate more jobs and absorb the increasing job applications, particularly those of university graduates. UTICA renewed, in conclusion, its will to collaborate with the rest of the national forces to ensure the success of the democratic transition process.