---

Tunisia

Answer

Through the Arab Partnership, we are supporting the Tunisian people's efforts to strengthen their political institutions, improve human rights, including freedom of expression, and economic growth. UK support for the election process in Tunisia, including voter education for women and young people in rural areas, was informed by discussions with the Tunisian Government and civil society in Tunisia and we continue to follow that process. In financial year (FY) 2011-12, approximately £1.2 million was spent on 12 projects in Tunisia: This was approximately 24% of the total spend from the Arab Political Participation Fund (APPF) last FY.Tunisia will remain a key priority for the Arab Partnership and we will increase our spend this financial year with a wider range of partners, and with an additional funding allocation from the Arab Partnership Economic Facility on economic reform initiatives. The UK is continuing to engage with the Tunisian Government on how we can provide further support: the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) hosted a working lunch for the Tunisian Foreign Minister in late March and the Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, my hon. Friend the Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes) and I also met the Tunisian Minister for Vocational Training and Employment during his visit to the UK in January. The areas discussed include supporting economic recovery: trade and investment, vocational training and increasing employability among the young. Development of these areas will have cumulative benefits for the development of democracy of Tunisia.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

103823; 543 c765W

Session

2010-12

Subjects

Politics and government Tunisia

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk