Introduction History Role of the Tunisian Internet Agency (ATI) Internet Access in Tunisia Internet Community in Tunisia Boosting Internet in Tunisia National Networks The Publinet Project Electronic Commerce in Tunisia Future Prospects

Electronic Commerce in Tunisia The Tunisian Government has paid special attention to electronic commerce. In fact it has been the driving force behind implementing e-commerce seeing in it a tool for economic growth by expanding markets, increasing efficiency and maximizing wealth. An e-commerce taskforce representing both government and private-sector bodies (ministries, trade associations, NGOs, etc.) was set up in November 1997. Made up of several working groups, the National Commission for Electronic Commerce and EDI (CNCE) was given the task of setting up electronic commerce strategy and infrastructure in Tunisia. These working groups have studied the various aspects of electronic commerce (legal, commercial, financial, security...). Two reports that include the Commission's recommendations were submitted to the government in November 1998 and in March 1999. Six pilot projects were launched and put into operation in May 1999. They are a set of virtual stores offering a wide range of Tunisian products, such as crafts, goods, clothing, foodstuffs, tourism packages, hotel reservations, etc. During a cabinet meeting held in mid May 1999, major decisions aimed aboosting electronic commerce in Tunisia were taken. They include: Revision of procedure connected with external trade with a view to boosting exports via the Internet network and facilitating the action of electronic commerce operators. Launching of pilot projects that will open virtual shopping centers to export tourist products, craftworks, certain finished products, and agricultural and industrial goods. Implementing of a "strategy of awareness and training", via the organization of regular study days on electronic commerce. Further developing the national telecommunications network with a view to adapting it to the demands of electronic exchange via information networks as regards to fluidity and speed of data transmission, while simultaneously working to develop transport and express mail services. Putting the finishing touches to the legal framework regulating this activity so that Tunisian law will be in tune with this new mode of commercial transaction, particularly as regards to legalization of the electronic means of identification (digital signature and certification) and breaches of trust. Creation of a permanent ministerial committee, supported by a technical commission of experts and specialists, to guarantee permanent follow-up of these recommendations and ensure coordination among all partakers. Based on CNCE reports and the observations of the cabinet and the consultative bodies, the government submitted in December 1999 an Electronic Exchange and Electronic Commerce Bill to the Chamber of Deputies (the Tunisian Parliament). The Bill should come to a vote before the parliament after a parliamentary commission finishes reviewing it. EDI projects are being studied in various sectors such as banking, textiles and telecommunications. One of the EDI main projects is the "Single Batch" project aimed at facilitating foreign trade procedure by setting up an EDI server center to allow various agents (trade organizations, customs, banks, forwards etc.) to exchange foreign commerce operations documents. Moreover, a Web/EDI interface will permit importers, exporters and forwarders to carry out foreign commerce operations via the Internet network.