Tunisia expects economy to grow 4.5% in 2013 

(MENAFN) Tunisian government is seeking to overcome last year's revolt and accelerate growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2013 from 3.5 percent expected this year, state news agency TAP reported.

TAP quoted Planning and Regional Development Minister Jamel Gharbi as saying that the government expects economy to grow by 4.5 percent next year, noting that it challenged 'observers' rather pessimistic forecasts about the development' of the economy.

Gharbi added that growth target could be achieved by boosting consumption and investment and consolidating exports.

He explained that the government would focus on helping the recovery of manufacturing and mining, particularly phosphates, and the allocation of 22.7 percent of GDP to public investment in 2013 which would help create 90,000 jobs.

The Tunisian economy is gradually recovering from last year's political turmoil but faces hurdles originating from the crisis in the euro zone, the main market for its exports and the source of a majority of tourist visitors.

GDP grew by 3.5 percent in the first six months of the year. Manufacturing, a major employer, grew by 2.5 percent during the first quarter, TAP said.