Tunis - The value of US investments in Tunisia now tops 1 billion dollars, a Tunisian government-owned news website reported on Thursday.

The landmark follows decisions by eight companies to expand investment in the North African country, Akhbar. tn reported, adding that 70 US firms now employ 18,000 Tunisians in the energy, information technology, telecommunications and manufacturing sectors.

The announcement reflects the continued close ties between Tunisia and the United States, despite recent US criticism of Tunisia's elections last month.

"We were concerned about the recent elections," US State Department Ian Kelly told reporters. "The government of Tunisia did not allow international election monitoring. We are not aware that permission was granted to any credible independent observers."

"We will continue to press for political reform and respect for human rights," he said.

Tunisia angrily rejected the criticism.

"This important electoral event was followed by 31 independent and credible figures, including particularly ministers, members of parliament, former ambassadors and representatives of civil society," the government said in a statement.

In those elections, Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali won a fifth term in office, with 89.62 per cent of the vote.

According to the Tunisian Ministry of Development and International Cooperation, almost 3,000 foreign companies employ more than 300,000 people in the country, investing a total of more than
23 billion dollars. (dpa)