EBRD sees Tunisia economy growing 2.7% this year, recovery depends on tourism

TUNIS, June 29 (Reuters) – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said on Tuesday it expects the Tunisian economy to grow by 2.7% of GDP this year, but recovery will depend on a COVID-19 vaccination rollout, economic reforms and the vital tourism sector.

Tunisia had forecast growth of 3.9% this year after the economy shrank by 8.8% in 2020, but the rapid spread of the coronavirus is pointing to another bad tourist season as foreigners desert the country’s beaches.

Tunisia’s gross domestic product (GDP) shrank 3% in the first quarter of 2021 from a year ago.

“The strength of the recovery will also depend on the pace of vaccination against COVID-19, allowing the reopening of the economy, including the tourism sector,” the bank said.

It added that a strong and sustainable recovery will depend on economic reform, however, while fiscal tightening is expected to rein in the strength of any upswing.

Tunisia, which posted a fiscal deficit of 11.4% of output last year, has started talks with the International Monetary Fund on a package of financial assistance.

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