A 163-million-euro loan agreement was signed here yesterday between Tunisia and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The project, expected to generate 7,000 jobs, aims to improve urban road infrastructure in Tunisia through the construction of 7 sub-projects in Greater Tunis (construction of interchanges and development of cross-roads), and 5 sub-projects of road extension as well as the construction of new ring roads in the governorates of Sfax, Kef, Mahdia and Monastir. The project also provides for the development of some stretches or black spots recording a high number of road accidents and improvement and rehabilitation of regional classified roads. EIB financing is repayable over 25 years, with a 4-year grace period and a fixed interest rate in each disbursement process. The financing agreement was signed by the Tunisian Minister of Planning and International Co-operation Abdelhamid Triki and EIB Vice-President Philippe de Fontaine Vive, currently on a visit to Tunisia.