F E AT U RE A Deminter International crew member helps pack Despite the markets strong price competition, being a FIDI Affiliate in Tunisia adds value to our commercial offer, says de Beauregard. Its a light of professionalism in a market where small participants do removals but without the FAIM quality level. Besides grappling with homeland security, Tunisia has to live with its volatile neighbour Libya with which it shares a 450km border. Yet, Tunisia has also benefited from Libyas ill fortune AGSs international market has grown as diplomatic institutions and NGOs seek refuge. Libya was too dangerous, so the French embassy settled in Tunis. Outbound trade is growing. Our citizens are moving abroad more and more Tunisia holds a pool of competencies and skills for international companies operating here, such as the automotive sector, food and drink industry, petroleum, distribution and the audit business. For Patrick Lemerrer, CEO of Deminter International group, Tunisia, the business focus is international corporate along with private and diplomat accounts. Recovery from the years 2014-16 a descent into hell no expatriates moving into the country, nor international companies investing has been slow. The country stabilised during 2017 and, says Lemerrer, 2019 has turned out to be a relatively good year. Tunisia has kept a good image and this new democracy impresses the world, he says, though he remains worried about regional stability. The government has done a good job in terms of security, but ISIS is still active in Libya, with many Tunisians desperate to return here to create chaos. Deminter has stuck to key business principles, with FIDI membership the yardstick in maintaining service standards. Being part of FIDI is really important, says Lemerrer. He too avoids the scramble for cut-price moving, yet admits that operators with cheap prices and no quality control are in a strong place. Good employees, are, he adds, hard to find. Mine have a minimum of 10 years and some up to 25 years with me. I act as a family godfather and take care of them. Lemerrer worked for six years in Libya and believes that, if stabilised, it could become a major market a fantastic country with such huge potential and nice people. I hope to go back there soon. Although the situation in North Africa is still fragile, Europe is supporting these LOUIS THIERCELIN, AGS MOROCCO FIDI membership is a guarantee of quality for customers and our partners joining more than 10 years ago has allowed us to increase business significantly Djemaa El Fna Square, Marrakech. While other parts of the region have experienced significant upheaval, Morocco has remained relatively stable, with modest growth in its market 72 FF294 DecJan20 pp64-77 Regional Focus.indd 72 WWW. F I D I . OR G 20/11/2019 15:18