By: Moslem Ali

Cairo - Mubasher: The biggest challenge facing the region is unemployment that reached alarming levels, said Zied Ladhari, the Tunisian minister of development, investment, and international cooperation in a speech to a Business Forum that was held in Cairo.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) held on Tuesday its Business Forum for the southern and eastern Mediterranean region (SEMED) in Cairo, under the theme “Investing for Sustainable Growth”.

In the opening session of the forum, Ladhari said that the challenge is to offer better prospects to the region’s youth, in order to protect them from radicalisation and terrorism.

The stability of the world depends on the stability of the region, the minister added, referring to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

“We must make this region attractive for investments, and make the needed reforms people await from their leaders,” Ladhari stated.

Tunisia in implementing a legislative reform to attract more investments in infrastructure and renewable energy, he added, noting that there is a need to stimulate economic growth to help prepare future generations to face the social and economic challenges.

The minister also indicated that to in order to promote prosperity in the region, the countries of North Africa should enhance cooperation with Sub-Saharan Africa in win-win partnerships.