According to the Tunisian business site “African Manager”, it is expected during the fourth quarter of 2009 production will reach 6,000 Barrels of Oil Equivalents Per Day (MBOEPD).

The company is currently participating in the drilling of two wells under the Adam permit, during the fourth quarter of 2009.

Pioneer has successfully explored in the “Adam”, “Cherouq”, “Borj El Khadra” and “Anaguid” blocks. Oil production from these blocks continues to grow as new discoveries are connected to existing infrastructure.

According to 2007 figures, Tunisia’s oil production reached 6, 7 million tons per year. In 2004 it represented 3, 4 million tons. This increase is due to findings of oil reserves in the south of the country, as well as offshore. Tunisia’s south ensures most of the country’s production.

In 2005, the region of Ghedames produced a number of small deposits such as those of “Dalia”, “Nour”, “Hawa” and “Adam” which totaled a production of some 70,000 barrels per day.

Pioneer has a substantial acreage position in the Ghadames Basin of southern Tunisia with an interest in five blocks totaling approximately three million acres. To date, Pioneer has successfully explored in the Adam, Cherouq, Borj El Khadra and Anaguid blocks. Oil production from these blocks continues to grow as new discoveries are connected to existing infrastructure.

Pioneer and the other producers in the country are working with the Tunisian government to evaluate the opportunity to expand infrastructure and supply gas volumes from southern Tunisia to existing markets in northern Tunisia.

On the occasion of the creation of spin-off projects by Tunisair, the Tunisia’s flag carrier, and Tunisian National Railways (SNCFT), two agreements were penned on Wednesday in Tunis between Mr. Abderrahim Zouari, Minister of Transport and Mr. Afif Chelbi, Minister of Industry, Energy and small and medium  enterprises, Mr. Nabil Chettaoui, president and CEO of Tunisair and Néjib Fitouri, SNCFT’s CEO.

For his part, Mr. Chelbi recalled the objectives in this sector focusing ondoubling the number of created spin-off projects from 100 to 200 per year, saying that “according to investigations carried out abroad, the chances of success of a new project will double if it is created within the framework of a spin-off project”.

As of December 2009, the group will launch the commercialisation of its “Shadrapa Domain”, a high quality red wine produced in Testour , north of Tunisia, where the French company bought 234 hectares of vineyards in 2006. With an initial yield of some 15,000 hectolitres, Castel will commercialize Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Chardonnay and Tempranillo grape varieties and will produce a whole range of products which include “Phenicia- Coteaux de Medjerda” and “Shadrapa”.

The French oenologist, Olivier Spillebout from the “Mekness Cellars” also owned by Castel in Morocco, has been working for three years on the new products.

According to “AfricanManager” bottling will be carried out in Tunisia by the Tunisian Brewery company SFBT and the product will be exported and marketed in France through well established French distribution networks.

So far Tunisian wine was mostly exported in bulk to France and Italy.However Tunisian wine brands are increasingly being sold in the United States, Canada, Germany and Switzerland.

A Libyan delegation comprising journalists, travel agents and civil aviation representatives has arrived in Djerba on Thursday. The delegation will visit the island’s attractions insofar as it health care facilities and leisure activities, are concerned.

An informed source in “Sevenair” has also announced the forthcoming launch of a new service between Tabarka, northwest of Tunisia and Tripoli, as well a fourth  weekly flight linking Sfax to Tripoli.

“Sevenair” a subsidiary of “Tunisair”, Tunisia’s flagship carrier, was created in 1991. Originally a domestic airline, the company is now operating services to Italy and Malta. Between 1991 and 2008 the company has carried some 6 million passengers.