Foreign direct investments (FDI) in Tunisia are down by 24 percent since 2010 having registered a steady decline of trust. While the domestic economy shows encouraging signs of growth, it remains a victim of political uncertainty. Beyond national borders, Tunisia’s image is struggling to regain its standing and give greater guarantees for foreigners intending to invest.

According to Morocco’s investment minister, Morocco plans to boost state spending in support of industry and reform regulations as part of an effort to double foreign direct investment by 2020. Morocco avoided a big drop in FDI in the wake of the global financial crisis and the Arab Spring by marketing itself as an export base for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. [Reuters, 11/21/2014]

Turkey expressed its willingness to create a free trade zone with Algeria in order to boost bilateral trade relations while preserving the economic interests of both countries. Turkey reportedly wants to increase trade with Algeria by $5 billion by 2016. Current difficulties encountered by Turkish traders in Algeria include strict visa requirements and the payment of a bank guarantee for companies tendering for public construction contracts. [AllAfrica, Daily Sabah, 11/21/2014]