Latest oil and gas production data indicates Tunisian output may have bottomed out following a post-Revolution free-fall. But industrial unrest continues to plague the sector, with unemployment stubbornly high. The IMF says cutting subsidies is essential, but acknowledges that, politically, this is easier said than done.

The IMF this week released $225mn of loans for Tunisia following its third review of the Tunisian Economy under a $1.75bn 2-year package agreed in June 2013. With Tunisia half-way through the program this brings the total released to $884mn. (CONTINUED - 1388 WORDS)