APIP Agricultural Policy Implementation Project

1. Tunisia has the natural, physical, and human resources to develop a
competitive cut flower export sector ifa concerted effort is made
to remove the constraints identified in this study.
2. Most constraints that affect the Tunisian cut flower sector can be
attributed to its very small scale. Economies of scale must be
developed by collaboration among current producers/exporters and by
cooperation between them and the relevant agencies of the Tunisian
Government.
6.2. Recommended Actions
This section presents three interrelated recommendations. The first
addresses actions which the private sector can take to resolve problems in the
sector. The second covers how the Tunisian Government can participate in this
effort. The third identifies the most promising foreign market for Tunisian
flowers and discusses flower varieties with high export market potential.
6.2.1 Flower Exporters Association
A major recommendation of this report isthat a private trade association
of Tunisian flower exporters be formed. The association should have the
following goals and responsibilities:
1. Represent growers in contacts with the Government, international
banks, donors and the local press. Educate them on the goals of the
flower growers and inform them of the impact of the flower sector on
employment and foreign exchange generation.
2. Organize promotion of the flower sector. Encourage professors,
consultants, and top staff of commercial flower companies in France,
Switzerland, and Germany to share their experience and expertise
with Tunisian growers.
3. Develop basic marketing materials on the Tunisian flower industry
(to be used or adapted by all flower exporters) including brochures,
press kits, and video tapes. Organize participation by association
members inmajor European flower fairs and competitions as a means
of contacting new clients or potential investors.
4. Host prospective foreign clients, joint venture partners, bankers,
and donor representatives who are interested in business
opportunities in Tunisia.
5. Hold periodic meetings with representatives of the Government
(including CEPEX and APIA) as well as the farming, transportation
and banking sectors to solve problems that limit exports. Promote
inter-sectorial cooperation.
6. Help growers make bulk purchases of fertilizers, irrigation
equipment, greenhouses, and bulbs and cuttings.
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