23Oct

AmCham Sponsors Women in Tech : Prompts Board Action

The AmCham Women in Tech session 21 October co-sponsored with US Embassy and Chamber Nationale de Femmes Chefs d’Enterprises, resulted in a new strategy for the AmCham Board to consider. OneTech, a prominent AmCham member and several women owned enterprises led the robust discussion. The corporate productivity benefits of more inclusive ‘gender balanced’ hiring and brining women into more senior management roles was the key theme.

Productivity Considerations for Tunisian and American Businesses

Almost 100 participants engaged in the dialogue which reference recent research by both McKinsey and the work Bank. Some estimates suggest that productive increases by almost 60% when enterprises actively engage more women especially at the C Suite and Board level. Both American and Tunisian firms serve to benefit by taking more pro-active policy measures in promoting broader women and minority participation.

Promoting Tunisian Expertise and Job Growth

Women in Tech and the development of FinTech can and do create new job opportunities. Tunisian women are highly educated in tech jobs but may be underutilized unless they are trained ‘soft skills’ to compete and access sustainable careers. AmCham Board will consider ACTIONABLE remediation opportunities.

16Oct

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/

16Oct

KATIA SAYARI: Export Lab Success story

KATIA SAYARI is specialized in Glassware and Glass Decoration. She is based in Tunis with a workshop in the artisanal village of Denden since 2002. Her showroom in Denden is a picture of her artistic expression. Glass is displayed in all its splendour and panoply of forms and patterns.

Her inspiration comes from nature and Tunisia, and this is reflected in her creations. The artistic touch of Katia, her mastery of a rare and exceptional know-how, her creation and her ability to move with market trends has helped her develop a presence in both the local and international markets. She joined Amcham’s Export Lab program in February 2018, and benefited from assistance and coaching.

The Export Lab offered Katia the opportunity to export her products to difficult-to-access markets such as the United States and Japan. She has been successful supplying several deliveries to the United States while satisfying her customers and she is working on strengthening her partnership with her Japanese customers. Ambitious and determined, Katia still intends to expand the business by investing in new ranges and collections.

11Sep

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

15Jul

AmCham Tunisia’s 30th Anniversary Celebration

A high profile reception took place on Friday June 21st , 2019 to celebrate AmCham Tunisia’s Anniversary.

AmCham Tunisia’s 30th Anniversary reception was hosted and held at the Laico Hotel Tunis in a glamorous atmosphere surrounded with Jazz music. The celebration brought together nearly 250 high-level guests and witnessed the presence of H. E. Mr. Donald Blome, the US Ambassador in Tunisia, many Tunisian Politicians, high government officials, foreign embassy representatives as well as AmCham Tunisia members and friends.

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Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of Mr.Naceur Hidoussi, AmCham Tunisia President, who warmly thanked AmCham Tunisia Members, friends, staff and sponsors for sharing these special moments and for their continuous support. Mr.Hidoussi said that “Over the past 30 years, working on a nonprofit activity basis, yet on a very professional level, AmCham Tunisia has organized successful events on ongoing economic, business, financial, educational and societal topics.”

AmCham Tunisia’s 30th Anniversary Celebration was sponsored by Group AL Badr, STB, IMI, Jansen & Jansen, Laico Hotel & Université Centrale.

07Jun

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

“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.”

A copy of the resolution can be found here.

29Apr

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).

03Apr

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

01Feb

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

07Dec

LAUNCH OF SOUK TUNIS PLATFORM

As part of its Export Lab project funded by MEPI (Middle East Partnership Initiative, State Department) AmCham Tunisia organized an event on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, Laico Hotel Tunis dedicated to the launch of the online sales platform www. Souktunis.com whose main objective is the development of Tunisian exports in the agri-food, craft and digital sectors to the United States.

Present at this event were the 45 companies selected by the project as well as members of AmCham and representatives of different ministries and organizations.

01Nov

AMCHAM TUNISIA CONFERENCE “CLOUD COMPUTING”

AmCham Tunisia organized a conference on October 31st at Laico Hotel Tunis in presence of AmCham members & friends, under the theme “Cloud Computing”. The keynote speaker was Mr.Albert Sanders, Manager Global Public Policy Strategy for Google Cloud and former Associate Counsel to President Barack Obama at the White House.

27Oct

AMCHAM CONFERENCE ON FIGHTING AGAINST ILLICIT TRADE

The American Chamber of Commerce in Tunisia (AmCham Tunisia) organized in collaboration with Philip Morris International on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at Le Paris Hotel Berges du Lac a conference under the theme “fight against illegal trade”. During this event, the results of the Illicit Trade Environment Index were presented. The two experts Stefano Betti from Tracit and Chris Clague from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), presented the data on Tunisia and proposed recommendations to combat the phenomenon of illegal trade in Tunisia. Were present in this event AmCham Board members, members & friends.

Tracit commissioned EIU to produce the Global Illicit Trade Environment Index, which assesses the structural capacity of 84 countries to effectively protect themselves against illicit trade, highlighting strengths and weaknesses 25 political, legal, regulatory, economic, commercial, institutional and cultural indicators. The results are intended to help policymakers better understand the regulatory environment and economic circumstances that promote illicit trade, to identify areas that deserve greater attention and to formulate strategies to address the serious threats posed by unlawful trade, stress the two keynote speakers.

According to this index, Tunisia ranks 53rd, with a score of 56 points out of 100. The same report establishes that the informal economy in Tunisia represents 35.5% of the Tunisian GDP, with 1.1 million people who work there, 32% of the active population. 30% of the products consumed in Tunisia would come from this economy (fuel, tobacco, alcohol, etc.).

Differences in levels of government subsidies on both sides of the border, as well as different tax regimes, have been the main drivers of this informal trade. This results in a significant loss of public revenue for the state, in addition to unfair competition in the formal sector, as legitimate businesses are no longer able to compete with smugglers. These products can have a detrimental impact on the health of the consumer. In addition, all this discourages foreign investment coming to settle in the country. Worse still, and given its links to organized crime, illicit trade can create greater risks to national and regional security.

They believe that Tunisia must continue to make efforts to combat illegal trade until the origin of the phenomenon is targeted and the problem solved. They are aware that there are no miracle recipes that it is not easy to find the right solutions and especially to implement them, especially since the economic systems based on smuggling constitute for certain cross-border regions, the main source of employment.

Illicit trade is a scourge that plagues nations. Tunisia is no exception, and given the particular conditions it faces, it must multiply efforts especially with the risks it incurs.