Category: News

AmCham Tunisia Commitment

As part of AmCham Tunisia commitment to safeguard our community while continuing to maintain an uninterrupted and high quality service to our members , we have implemented the following emergency measures:

1.     Our teams have been placed on mandatory working from home operations and are equipped to provide their full services from home, to receive and process all your emails and all your calls on their mobile phones.

2.    Face to face work related meetings have been replaced by videoconferencing and/or conference calls.

3.    We have restricted all out of office visits unless evidenced as a necessity (to the extent feasible).

4.   We continue to ensure to put in place best practice in business continuity measures while protecting our team members and our community as a priority.

In this delicate period, we invite you all to stay safe and take care of yourselves, your families and friends, and your communities, in the hope that the outcome of these difficult events will be a more interconnected and harmonious global society.

Please do not hesitate to share with us any concerns you have throughout this period and we will, as always, take all measures to ensure we accommodate to your concerns.

With best wishes,

Naceur Hidoussi
President, AmCham Tunisia

THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STRONGLY CONDEMNS THIS TERRORIST ACTION

It is a shabby, miserable, pitiful and coward gesture that attacks the essential foundations of US-Tunisia cooperation.

This is not just an attack to American Embassy, but to all shared values of Freedom and Democracy . It is an attack to every Tunisian .

Together and united we do stand up , and remain strong against such cowardness.

We want to share all our grand sympathy and deepest support, to all embassy staff and tunisian police and guards .

Prosper Africa Trends: “Eco” On Currency Liberalization – Accelerating African Trade Gateways

Accelerating African Trade – The “Eco” of Liberalization

Africa, including the former French West African colonies, continues on promoting barrier free Pan African trade.  Facilitating open trade and a common currency accelerates opportunities for the world’s fastest growing continent to prosper. Positive steps to increase African investment by releasing African reserves from the stewardship and use by French Treasury were announced this week by President Marcon. Simply put, as proposed, previously sequestered funds are now available for direct African investment.  The proposed decommissioning of the French-linked West African CFA franc was also announced with the endorsement of the “Eco” as the replacement currency.   One expected positive outcome of liberalization is continuation of promoting a common currency, opening pan -African trade and accelerating trade flows.

Africa Trade Alliances – The World’s Largest since the World Trade Organization

Parallel paths to promote African autonomy continue with regional trade alliances. Countering global trends towards nationalization, North Africa including Tunisia, increasingly unite as trade partners. The West African Economic and Monetary Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) minimize trade barriers and harmonize customs practices.  English and French speaking Africa links formalized in March 2019 with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – the world’s largest since the 1994 World Trade Organization. As perspective COMESA, similarly with its 21-nation membership serves 560 million people links Tunisia, Egypt and Madagascar improving the focus on Technology and Biotech developments.

Gateway into Global Markets – Tunisia

Boosting inter-regional and global trade frameworks is constructive of the continent. Unleashing Africa’s long-stymied economic potential strengthen supply chains and spread shared expertise is both aspirational and realistic.  Increased Pan-African trade flows increasingly funneled into Europe and the United States from gateway countries like North Africa led by Tunisia, are irreversible.  The Tunisian and other American Chamber of Commerce actions, guide export expansion, ratify opportunities for Pan African business and trade-linked profitably – gradually erasing the shadow of a colonial past.

Tunisia – Positive Regional Growth and Improving Trade Alliances COMESA

Overall regional bright spots and commitment to pan-African free trade agreements are expected to positively bolster Tunisia’s resiliency.  International perspectives support an optimistic outlook for continued regional growth. Moody’s Inside Africa(October 2019) cite Egypt’s rate cut and easing inflation as supporting bank revenue and economic growth.  Recent actions by the Central Bank of Morocco, are also viewed by Moody’s as positive for the Moroccan banking sector and by implication, Moroccan ownership interests in the Tunisian financial sector.

Trade alliances for Tunisia, North Africa, and the continent  are positively recognized by AmCham Tunisia, although remaining neutral on  recent political developments.  Fitch’s Africa Monitor (November Edition 2019), highlights Tunisia’s “challenging policy environment” post-election, coupled with a “stormier global environment”.   For Africa generally, Fitch Solution reports strengthening of trade agreements including the May 2019 African Continental Free-Trade Area — the world’s largest free-trade zone. Economic and trade integration for Africa are expected to promote higher growth and create new investment opportunities. This is good news for the investment community. Tunisia trade and investment benefit from its entry into COMESA last year and, as announced at the September meeting,  it’s proposed entry by year end 2019 to the COMESA Free Trade Area.

https://www.comesa.int/2019/09/27/countries-participating-in-the-comesa-fta-set-to-increase/

PowerGen Europe 2019

La Section Commerciale de l’Ambassade des Etats-Unis à Tunis a le plaisir de vous informer de l’organisation d’une délégation d’hommes d’affaires tunisiens pour visiter le Pavillon Américain au Salon PowerGen Europe 2019 (dédié aux technologie de la production d’électricité)  https://www.powergeneurope.com/welcome  qui se tiendra à Paris en France du 12 au 14 Novembre 2019.

Le Salon:

PowerGen Europe est reconnu comme le lieu de rencontre annuel de la communauté mondiale des technologies de production d’électricité. Le Salon continue de reconnaître le rôle essentiel que joue la production flexible dans la transition énergétique et les tendances en faveur de la production décentralisée, ce qui en fait la plaque tournante d’échanges d’expériences, de technologies, et d’opportunités commerciales.

Pour la première fois cette année, le salon PowerGen 2019 sera co-localisé avec European Utility Week, ce qui constitue une opportunité unique pour tout savoir sur les technologies de la transition énergétique. Les thèmes ont été spécialement choisis pour que les praticiens du secteur soient en mesure de s’adapter à l’évolution rapide du secteur de l’énergie, notamment des thèmes tels que la production décentralisée, les turbines à gaz, et la gestion du cycle de vie.

PowerGen aura la participation des principaux producteurs d’électricité, des services publics, des gouvernements, et des fournisseurs de solutions. Que vous vous concentriez sur l’optimisation des actifs existants, l’exploration de nouvelles opportunités ou le développement de nouvelles entreprises basées sur les technologies numériques dans l’énergie et l’électricité, PowerGen vous assurera de rester à la pointe du secteur.

Produits, équipements, technologies, et exposants :

PowerGen 2019 attire les décideurs et les donneurs d’ordre de milliers d’entreprises internationales, notamment les chefs d’entreprises, ingénieurs, développeurs, producteurs d’électricité public et privé, fabricants, et experts dans un large éventail d’équipement et technologies :

  • Turbines à gaz
  • Co-génération industrielle
  • Solutions off-grid et hybrides
  • Solutions et technologies des énergies renouvelables
  • Constructeurs EPC
  • Générateurs et pompes hydrauliques
  • Générateurs de vapeur à récupération de chaleur / Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG)
  • Unités de production combinée de chaleur et d’électricité / Combined Heat and Power Units (CHP)
  • Systèmes de gazéification
  • Détecteurs de flammes
  • Equipement et système électriques
  • Equipement et système de control des émissions
  • Systèmes et technologies biomasse
  • Equipement hydro-électromécanique
  • Réservoirs et navires de stockage
  • Systèmes de valorisation énergétique des déchets
  • Smart Grid Technologies
  • Fabricants de compteurs,
  • Solutions digitales et de cyber-sécurité.
  • Engineering, design, et installation
  • Développeur, installateur, et constructeurs

Veuillez trouver la liste complète des exposants sur ces liens : https://www.powergeneurope.com/exhibitors-list

Avantages pour les sociétés tunisiennes:

• Enregistrement gratuit sponsorisé par l’Ambassade des Etats-Unis et préparation des badges d’entrée
• Séances d’information au Salon (briefing)

  • Visite guidée au Pavillon américain au salon
    • un matchmaking personnalisé et traduction en cas de besoin pour les réunions avec les sociétés américaines .

Les sociétés intéressées à visiter le salon PowerGen 2019 (y inclus European Utility Week ) doivent envoyer les informations ci-après demandées à l’adresse aouadhis@state.gov avant le 25 Octobre 2019.

-Mr. or Mrs.

-Delegation member name (First, Last)

-Job Title

-Company Name

-Company Product

-Address

-Phone Number

-Cell Phone Number while at show (if available)

-Fax Number

-Email Address

-Buying Interest (Business objectives)

-Specific Products looking for at the show

Gift of the Eid from senators Menendez and Romney

WASHINGTON – Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah), yesterday introduced a Senate resolution to reaffirm the U.S.-Tunisia partnership, and to publicly support Tunisia’s ongoing transition into a vibrant and stable democracy. As Tunisia heads towards scheduled parliamentary and presidential elections later this year, the senators praised the Tunisian people and their political leaders for their commitment to democracy and rule of law.

“I am pleased to introduce this resolution reaffirming the strong partnership between Tunisia and the United Stat

WASHINGTON – Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah), yesterday introduced a Senate resolution to reaffirm the U.S.-Tunisia partnership, and to publicly support Tunisia’s ongoing transition into a vibrant and stable democracy. As Tunisia heads towards scheduled parliamentary and presidential elections later this year, the senators praised the Tunisian people and their political leaders for their commitment to democracy and rule of law.

“I am pleased to introduce this resolution reaffirming the strong partnership between Tunisia and the United States,” said Senator Menendez. “Across the Middle East and across the world, it is critical that the United States stand strong with partners in pursuit of democratic values including free and fair elections, respect for the rule of law, and universal freedoms and rights for all citizens. Particularly as instability mounts around its borders, it is critical to reaffirm our support and our shared values, interests, and pursuit of long term stability and security.”

“As the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over matters concerning U.S. relations with Tunisia, I’m proud to join ranking member Menendez in introducing this resolution today,” said Senator Romney. “With this resolution, we reaffirm the partnership between Tunisia and the United States and support the Tunisian people in their pursuit of freedom and democracy.”

During the Arab Spring protests of 2011, Tunisians ousted dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, and held the first competitive elections of the Arab Spring. Despite facing economic and security challenges, Tunisia has continued to reform its political system, adopting a new constitution in 2014 and holding new elections that same year.

A copy of the resolution can be found here.

es,” said Senator Menendez. “Across the Middle East and across the world, it is critical that the United States stand strong with partners in pursuit of democratic values including free and fair elections, respect for the rule of law, and universal freedoms and rights for all citizens. Particularly as instability mounts around its borders, it is critical to reaffirm our support and our shared values, interests, and pursuit of long term stability and security.”

“As the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over matters concerning U.S. relations with Tunisia, I’m proud to join ranking member Menendez in introducing this resolution today,” said Senator Romney. “With this resolution, we reaffirm the partnership between Tunisia and the United States and support the Tunisian people in their pursuit of freedom and democracy.”

During the Arab Spring protests of 2011, Tunisians ousted dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, and held the first competitive elections of the Arab Spring. Despite facing economic and security challenges, Tunisia has continued to reform its political system, adopting a new constitution in 2014 and holding new elections that same year.

A copy of the resolution can be found here.

Up to $10 million for information on Hizballah

The United States is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information that will help disrupt the financial operations of the global terrorist organization Hizballah.

The U.S. Department of State offers rewards to bring terrorists to justice and prevent acts of international terrorism against Americans as part of “Rewards for Justice.” Since the program began in 1984, the U.S. government has paid more than $150 million to more than 100 people who provided information that resulted in successful prosecutions or prevented acts of terrorism worldwide.

Specifically, the U.S. is seeking information that helps to identify Hizballah’s:

  • Revenue sources, including major donors.
  • Banks or institutions used to make transactions.
  • Businesses or investments.
  • Criminal schemes to launder money.
  • Front companies that procure technology that could be used for weapons.

Hizballah is a Lebanon-based terrorist organization that receives weapons, training and money from Iran. Hizballah generates revenue from a combination of support from Iran, international businesses and investments, a network of donors and money laundering activities.

The three individuals are prime examples of key Hizballah financiers or facilitators the United States has designated as “Specially Designated Global Terrorists”:

Adham Tabaja is a Hizballah member who conducts business throughout the Middle East and West Africa on behalf of Hizballah.

Mohammad Ibrahim Bazzi is a key Hizballah financier who has provided millions of dollars to Hizballah generated from his business activities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Ali Youssef Charara is a key Hizballah financier who has received millions of dollars from Hizballah to invest in commercial projects that financially support the terrorist group.

More information about these reward offers is located on the Rewards for Justice website at www.rewardsforjustice.net or through e-mail (LH@rewardsforjustice.net).

AmCham Egypt Career Development Center

About the program

The Board of Directors plays an important role in setting the organizational strategies and its governance. This program highlights the main functions and duties of the board and delves specifically in the director’s role in setting company strategy and preparing for its implementation.

The AmCham – CDC partnered with the Institute of Directors – UK to offer a comprehensive executive development program for members of the board based on the latest theories and best practices. The program addresses the function of board and its members, the role of directors in strategy and marketing, and the role of directors as leaders in the organization among other topics.

The program is based on the IoD curriculum and conducted by international faculty who possess practical and theoretical knowledge and have consulted amany companies worldwide.

Certificate: An attendance certificate from the Institute of Directors and the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt will be granted to participants who complete the courses.

The program is particularly targeted at, but not limited to:

  • CEOs & Managing Directors
  • General Managers
  • Board Members & Potential Board Members

Course overview:

In today’s business world, every director needs to recognise the key financial concepts and terminology that underpin a successful understanding of their organisation’s financial position. This course, designed for non-financial directors, will demystify the world of finance, allowing you to monitor the financial health of your business, evaluate business plans with confidence and contribute more effectively to boardroom discussion.

Learning objectives:

  • Identify the financial role and responsibilities of directors
  • Interpret financial statements in accordance with accounting principles and standards
  • Establish the financial health of a business using accepted financial ratios
  • Distinguish between management accounts and the statutory financial reports of a company
  • Differentiate between the various sources of finance available to a company and their relative advantages and disadvantages
  • Interpret the key components of capital investment appraisal

More information about AmCham Egypt CDC

Global Entrepreneurship Summit: GES 2019

Dear Entrepreneurs,

We’re proud to announce that the application for GES2019, June 4-5 in The Hague NL, is officially open!

The 2019 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, June 4 5, in The Hague, the Netherlands will gather more than bring together 2,000 of the world’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, investors, and other participants from all over the world in five focus sectors : agriculture, connectivity, energy, health, and water. Hosted by the governments of the Netherlands and the United States, GES 2019 will explore the right conditions for entrepreneurs to succeed and drive economic growth around the world.

Investment-ready entrepreneurs interested in participating can learn more and apply at ges2019.org.

Everyone is encouraged to participate in the global dialogue through the official hashtag #GES2019.

With best regards,

U.S. Embassy Tunis

AmCham Tunisia Export Lab

The American Chamber of Commerce in Tunisia is pleased to announce the new partnership with MIDDLE EAST PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE (MEPI). “The Export Lab”, will support  and increase the Tunisian Exports to the US market and will target mainly the small and Medium Enterprises in three sectors: Agribusiness, Handicrafts, and New Technologies.

interested members and companies are requested to contact AmCham Tunisia at : Project@amchamtunisia.org.tn