BCT Governor advocates for launching 'Diaspora Bonds'
Speaking at the second edition of the Tunisia Global Forum (TGF), organized on Tuesday by the Association of Tunisians from Grandes Écoles (ATUGE), Nouri noted that the diaspora represents a human capital that should be transformed into a financial asset to fund sustainable development.
He emphasized the need to reorient strategy toward effectively integrating the diaspora into the national development process.
He advocated for including the diaspora in economic policymaking by supporting existing associative networks and professional organizations, as well as improving access to transparent and centralized information.
The BCT Governor stressed the necessity of offering innovative investment tools tailored to the diaspora's needs and expectations, drawing on international best practices.
In this context, he mentioned the introduction of diaspora bonds, the funds from which would finance local businesses and infrastructure projects.
He also cited, as an example, the launch of new savings products specifically designed for the diaspora.
Nouri added that the BCT is committed to modernizing its services and improving communication, announcing the upcoming launch of a digital platform called 'EXOP' to enable online submission, processing, and tracking of requests addressed to the Central Bank.
He further noted that a new version of the **foreign currency investment platform for non-residents in Tunisia, hosted on the BCT's website (fiche-invest.bct.gov.tn/Fichinvest'), will soon be operational.
30% of foreign currency comes from expatriates
The BCT Governor also recalled that the diaspora, comprising around 1.8 million citizens, primarily residing in Europe and Gulf countries, remains one of the main sources of foreign currency for Tunisia's economy.
He added that, by the end of 2024, remittances from Tunisians abroad accounted for 30% of the BCT's foreign exchange reserves, equivalent to about 6.5% of GDP. These flows even have a stabilizing effect at the macroeconomic level, he noted.
The Tunisian expatriate community also contributes to boosting domestic consumption, supporting economic growth, directly contributing 2% of state tax revenues and strengthening the local economy through investments, particularly in real estate.
Challenges facing the Diaspora
For his part, ATUGE President Amine Aloulou highlighted the obstacles the Tunisian diaspora faces in terms of investment, stressing their disconnection from the country. He affirmed that the forum and regional tours would help develop local networks and engage economic and administrative stakeholders.
He added that the business environment, administrative and banking services, and air transport are key areas needing improvement to attract investors and foster the country's economic openness.
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