TUNIS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia and Spain on Friday signed an agreement worth 25 million euros (over 28.3 million U.S. dollars) to refurbish small businesses, said the Tunisian Ministry of Investment, Development and International Cooperation.
According to a ministry statement, the agreement will support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by giving them access to services and facilitate the supply of equipment and materials of Spanish origin.
"The deal envisages a grace period of 40 years with 25 percent interest rate," read the statement.
Tunisian Minister of Investment, Development and International Cooperation Zied Laadhari said 63 Spanish companies are currently operating in Tunisia, providing over 6,000 jobs in various sectors, with a total investment of 1,360 million dollars.
"The agreement aims to give a shot in the arm to Tunisian SMEs to help them upgrade their production and create new jobs," said Laadhari on the sidelines of the signing ceremony in the capital Tunis.
