2004年-世界发展银行全球_Republic_of_Tunisia___Employment_Strategy_Volume_1_Main_Report_126页_3mb

Summary of the Republic of Tunisia Employment Strategy Report (Volume I)

Core Content

This report outlines the employment strategy for the Republic of Tunisia, focusing on the Tenth Development Plan ("le parti de l'emploi") and its objectives to create 400,000 new jobs between 2002 and 2006. It analyzes the link between macroeconomic performance and employment, identifies constraints to job creation, and reviews the characteristics of the Tunisian labor market during the late 1990s. The report also evaluates the effectiveness of active labor market programs (ALMPs) and proposes policy options to improve employment outcomes.

Main Report Structure

Chapter I: Economic Growth and Employment Creation

• Growth and Job Creation Patterns:

  • During the 1990s, Tunisia experienced high GDP growth (5.7% annually in non-agricultural sectors), but employment creation was insufficient to lower the unemployment rate, which remained around 15-16%.
  • Employment elasticity declined from 0.7 (1989–1994) to 0.5 (1995–2001), indicating that economic growth was not translating into sufficient job creation.
  • In contrast, Ireland achieved higher employment growth for similar productivity gains due to more effective policies on integration, competition, and labor market liberalization.

• Employment and Productivity Growth:

  • In the non-agricultural sectors, Tunisia saw a slower increase in employment compared to productivity growth.
  • Real wages in manufacturing did not increase significantly, yet they remained higher than comparator countries, especially in the textile and garment industries.

• Sectoral Analysis:

  • Employment creation came mainly from low-productivity and low-skill sectors.
  • High-productivity sectors did not absorb significant labor, indicating a lack of reallocation from low to high productivity areas.

Chapter II: Characteristics of the Tunisian Labor Market (1997–2000)

• Labor Force Participation:

  • Labor force participation rates increased, particularly among less-educated groups.
  • Women’s participation was slow but growing.

• Unemployment Trends:

  • Unemployment rates remained high, especially among educated youth.
  • There was a significant skills mismatch between the labor force and employer needs.
  • The duration of unemployment was long, and the unemployment rate was higher for those with secondary and postsecondary education compared to primary school graduates.

• Labor Supply and Demand:

  • Labor supply was not aligned with labor demand, especially in the context of structural changes.
  • The employment intensity of growth declined, particularly in the private services sector.

• Wage Determinants:

  • Wages were influenced by age, education, and skill level.
  • Higher education correlated with lower working hours and higher income levels.

Chapter III: Job Creation Constraints

• Labor Cost Dynamics:

  • Labor costs increased faster than capital costs, partly due to generous investment incentives.
  • Indirect labor costs were high, with employers contributing 28% of the wage bill (16% to social insurance, 7.75% by employees, and 12% in additional social charges).

• SME Contribution to Employment:

  • SMEs, which are the main source of employment in many OECD countries, were underdeveloped in Tunisia and mainly concentrated in traditional manufacturing and trade.
  • They created low-skilled, temporary jobs with low wages.

• Labor Market Regulations:

  • Labor regulations were rigid, with strong government interference in termination procedures.
  • These regulations hindered enterprise restructuring and resource allocation, leading to a lower level of job creation.
  • They had a particularly negative impact on youth, women, and low-skilled workers.

• Skills Mismatch:

  • Educated youth faced greater difficulty in finding employment due to a lack of demand for qualified labor and high reservation wages.
  • The public sector wage premium and family support also contributed to the persistence of unemployment among this group.

Chapter IV: Active Labor Market Programs in Tunisia

• Overview of ALMPs:

  • ALMPs were implemented to support employment creation and training.
  • These programs included vocational training, job creation initiatives, and social protection mechanisms.

• Impact of ALMPs:

  • The effectiveness of ALMPs was limited, with insufficient coverage and low participation rates.
  • The report highlights the need for more tailored and efficient ALMPs that align with labor market needs.

• Policy Options:

  • The employment strategy should focus on promoting SMEs, improving the investment climate, and enhancing skills development.
  • Public policies should shift from job protection to facilitating job creation.
  • Labor market regulations should be made more flexible to allow for better adaptation to changing economic conditions.
  • Social protection systems should be reformed to provide more effective support for laid-off workers through active labor market programs and income support mechanisms.

Key Information

• Currency Unit: Tunisian Dinar (TD)
• Fiscal Year: January 1 to December 31
• Employment Target: 400,000 new jobs between 2002 and 2006
• Unemployment Rate: Stagnated around 15–16%
• Employment Elasticity: Declined from 0.7 to 0.5
• SMEs Contribution: Limited to low-productivity sectors
• Labor Costs: Employers contribute 28% of wage bill to social costs
• Social Protection: Includes active labor market programs and income support for laid-off workers

Main Viewpoints

• The employment strategy must be integrated with economic growth and competitiveness.
• The private sector needs to be more dynamic in job creation, especially in high-skill and high-value-added sectors.
• Vocational training and education reforms are critical to aligning the workforce with market demands.
• Labor market regulations should be reformed to reduce indirect labor costs and improve flexibility.
• Active labor market programs should be more targeted and efficient to address unemployment and skills mismatch.

Conclusion

This report emphasizes the need for a coherent, long-term employment strategy that supports sustainable economic growth and enhances the competitiveness of the labor market. It highlights the importance of private-sector-led growth, SME development, and vocational training in achieving the employment targets of the Tenth Development Plan. The proposed policy options aim to improve the effectiveness of employment programs and create a more flexible and supportive labor market environment.