Tunis: The finance and budget committee under the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP) adopted, on Wednesday, a bill approving a financing agreement signed between the Tunisian state and a group of local banks for funding the state budget. On May 16, 2024, the Finance Ministry signed a syndicated loan agreement making it possible to mobilize nearly 570 million dinars in foreign currency (pound 156 million and $16 million) with 16 local banks. Members of the committee stressed that this loan, which is part of supporting the State's efforts in mobilizing financial resources, was adopted in accordance with the Finance Law for the 2024 financial year. A number of deputies focused on the repercussions of the State's sovereign rating and its impact on debt. Other members suggested holding a hearing session with the Finance Minister to learn about the progress of the implementation of the State budget until June 2024. The committee also discussed its work programmes for the upcoming period so as to finish the review of draft laws and proposed laws, in addition to field visits as part of its monitoring role. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse