ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the Ninth Economic Development Plan and the Tenth Economic Development Plan. These development plans provide a framework for national economic and social development and in particular provide the objectives for growth and development. The overall goal of the Ninth Plan was the integration of the Tunisian economy in the international economic environment. The goals of the Tenth Plan are to reinforce competitiveness, including competitiveness in the global economy, meet the challenge of employment and build a knowledge society/economy in Tunisia. The chapter also examines the main features of the Tunisian economy that includes production, trade, and foreign investment and two of the major economic sectors — oil and gas, and tourism and reviews economic development in the Sahel region. Agriculture is an important part of the economy of the Sahel, so the problems of the agriculture sector have a direct impact on the region.
