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E3 Journal of Business Management and Economics

E3 Journal of Business Management and Economics Vol. 4 (11) pp. 242-250, November 2013; © E3 Journals; ISSN 2141-7482


Specialization and imperative of diversification for Tunisian economics

Bouras Hela1 *
1 University of Economic Sciences and Management of Tunis, Tunisia
*Corresponding Author E-mail: helauniversitynabeul@yahoo.fr
Accepted 28 October 2013

Abstract

In developing countries, specialization result of a competitive advantage achieved by a low cost of labor. However, this potential benefit must be properly operated and must be extended in a context of increased competition. This article discusses in a first section, a discussion and analysis of the specialization of the Tunisian economy, based on key indicators of specializations. In the second section we look at an analysis of the diversification of Tunisian exports, while a comparison with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa. Three sectors have, since 2004, revealed comparative advantages with the EU, they are characterized by the indicator of revealed comparative advantage greater than unity, textiles and textile articles, agribusiness and shoes. The comparative advantage recorded for miscellaneous manufactured articles Tunisia is mainly explained by an RTA for Textiles and clothing, marking an index greater than unity. Furthermore, from the results of calculating the Index Grubell Loyd, it shows appreciation of structural change, driven by the development of intra-industry trade. Three inequality indices are used to measure the diversification of products intensive margin. Is calculated as the Herfindahl -Hirschman index measuring the degree of market concentration.

Keywords: Specialization, revealed comparative advantage, intra-industry trade, contribution to the trade balance, diversification

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