Ministry of Industry Validates 151 Financial Restructuring Files for SMEs
The Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy has validated 151 financial restructuring files for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as part of the financial restructuring support line aimed at helping these companies overcome economic difficulties and preserve employment.
Committee Meeting and New File Examinations
The steering committee of the "SME Financial Restructuring Support" credit line met on Monday, December 15, under the chairmanship of the head of the ministry's cabinet, to examine requests for access to this aid mechanism. During the meeting, 11 new files were examined by the commission, covering:
- Two companies in the food industry sector
- One company in the technical plastic manufacturing sector
- One file related to an international transport and logistics company
These companies have financial commitments from the state amounting to several million dinars, according to the proposed restructuring plans.
Reevaluation of Requests and Financing
The committee also reevaluated requests for extension of execution deadlines for restructuring programs for two companies, one in the agri-food sector and one in the construction materials sector, as well as requests for financing for financial diagnostic studies and for monitoring already launched restructuring programs. In several cases, reports showed that the companies concerned had managed to improve their economic and financial indicators and overcome their difficulties, thanks to the interventions already implemented under this credit line.
State Commitment and Financing
Since the launch of this device, the Tunisian state has committed approximately 342 million dinars to support these companies. This financing is broken down into:
- 288.5 million dinars in rescheduling loans
- 52 million dinars in participation loans
- 1.276 million dinars in subsidies for financial and economic diagnostic studies
- 156,000 dinars for monitoring restructuring programs
Ministry Statement and Eligibility Criteria
The ministry emphasizes that this credit line is one of the essential mechanisms for helping SMEs face temporary financial difficulties, ensure their continuity, and maintain the jobs they generate. The authorities encourage all companies that meet the eligibility criteria to contact the General Administration for the Promotion of SMEs to register in this support program.
To be eligible, companies must meet several conditions, including:
- Having fixed assets between 100,000 and 15 million dinars (excluding commerce, real estate promotion, financial sector, and hydrocarbons)
- Having encountered financial difficulties over the past three years, such as a significant decline in turnover or production, significant bank debts, or cumulative losses
- Being in operation for at least one year and keeping accounting records in accordance with current legislation
