In a world characterized by turbulence and uncertainty, insurers are more than ever called upon to provide companies and individuals with the means to face risks thanks to swift and efficient services.

The 10 th Insurance and Reinsurance Carthage Meeting co-organised by the Tunisian insurance company Tunis Re and the Tunisian Federation of the Insurance companies (FTUSA) under the auspices of the General Arab Insurance Federation (GAIF) from November 18 to 20 aims precisely at meeting the growing demand of Arab customers, as well as closing Arab ranks in a vital sector of the economy.

Some 200 Arab and international experts are taking part in the event which will also provide opportunities to exchange experiments between Arab and African insurance companies.

In his opening address to the Meeting, Mr Moncef Bouden, the Secretary of State in charge of fiscal affairs, stressed the need to promote common Arab action in a sector which has been much affected by the crisis.

The Tunisian insurance sector which is made up of 18 resident companies, has generated a turnover of 950 million dinars in 2008.

The sector which is employing about 4000 people has posted an increase of 9, 67% in 2008, said Mr Bouden who added that in Tunisia, the sector is well regulated and that foreign placements require prior authorization from the concerned authorities; a fact which has considerably reduced the fragility of the sector insofar as international operations are concerned, he noted.

In a related event, Tunisia will host on November 24, 2009, the 1st national Day of the insurance agent on the theme: "The role of the insurance agent in an emerging market".