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Promoting of Solidarity
2 - The Tunisian Solidarity Bank (1997)
The creation of this bank constitutes one more indication
of President Ben Ali's consistent interest in the general, harmonious and balanced development of Tunisia and in
the strengthening of solidarity among Tunisians, as a cultural aspect of renewal.
This micro-financing banking institution, the first of its kind in Tunisia, was set up on December 22, 1997, following
a public sale offer of 30 million dinars; 62% is held by more than 220,000 public shareholders.
This is a flexible and appropriate mechanism for facilitating access to credit, particularly for those engaged
in crafts and for men and women with diplomas in professional and scientific training whose means are limited and
who do not have the guarantees that would otherwise enable them to realize their project ideas, ensure self-employment
and take themselves in charge.
In a single year of activity (1998), the BTS has financed some 7,300 micro-credits for an amount approximately
equal to its capital (29.8 million dinars), distributed throughout the country and in many sectors of activity
(crafts, small trades, agriculture and miscellaneous services). Loans average 4,089 dinars per project. Approximately
80% have been granted to young promoters under the age of 40, 26% have benefitted women, and 11% have gone to university
grdaduates. They should allow the creation of some 11,000 jobs.
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