The Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the relocation of its offices to a new strategic location, situated near the main
business centers of the capital. This initiative aims to enhance our accessibility and better serve our members and partners.
Exploring New Horizons : US Delegation Meets AmCham Board Members
On July 10th, a significant gathering took place at Les Dunes restaurant in Gammarth, Tunisia, where a distinguished American delegation led by David Hamod, President of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC), met with members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Tunisia (AmCham).
Workshop on Labor Regulation Developments
On July 11th, AmCham Tunisia conducted a training workshop at the Dar El Marsa Hotel, centered on “New Developments in Labor Regulation: How to Comply with the Law and Manage Risks?” The event attracted HR Managers, Directors, and decision-makers keen to deepen their understanding of evolving labor laws.
Participation of AmCham at “The Great Debate” Event
AmCham Tunisia was represented by its Vice President, Ms. Nahla Nasri, at “The Great Debate,” an event organized by Univers News under the theme “Tunisia and the New Geoeconomy.” During her address, Ms. Nasri emphasized AmCham’s crucial role as a catalyst for revitalizing the Tunisian economy. She underscored the importance of bilateral trade as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth. In a constantly evolving global landscape, she warned against the risks of a “business as usual” approach, advocating for adaptive strategies to maintain competitiveness. Ms. Nasri highlighted the added value of Tunisian products, showcasing their productivity and identifying new opportunities in international markets. She stressed the need to establish resilient long-term growth avenues that are well-suited to future challenges while strengthening the mutually beneficial trade relationship between Tunisia and the United States. Additionally, she addressed the new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and proposed solutions to mitigate their impact on exports across various sectors. In conclusion, AmCham’s participation in this event underscored promising prospects for the Tunisian economy and reinforced trade links between the two countries. Ms. Nasri recalled the AmCham recommandations :
A Get Together To Break New Ground ! AmCham new board members
The AmCham new board members and the executive office were invited on September 30, 2024, at the U.S. ambassador’s residence to celebrate the commencement of a new chapter at AmCham Tunisia and get to know the U.S. Embassy in Tunis staff. His Excellency M. Joe Hood, U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, opened the reception with an eloquent speech and cordial welcome congratulating the newly elected AmCham Tunisia president and its board members by proudly declaring the unique bond that AmCham Tunisia has with the U.S. Embassy in Tunis. He stated that The United States of America sees hope and potential in Tunisia. “There are many reasons to give hope in this country…” He added, “We have seen over the past 227 years how America and Tunisian cooperation has accomplished many things together.” Moreover, since October 2023, AmCham Tunisia has been working closely with the consular service of the Embassy for a business visa program. “Within the AmCham Tunisia, that made it much easier to get the interview on time with the service consular section”, he highlighted. Finally, yet importantly, he revealed the involvement of the U.S. Government in supporting the date sector in Tunisia. “35 Million dollar project to help Tunisian farmers produce more dates with less water and hopefully process and sell more to the American market.” https://tn.usembassy.gov/u-s-department-of-agriculture-invites-applications-for-food-for-progress-program/ By closing his speech, he underlined that the U.S. Government aims to improve the business climate by working alongside the Tunisian government. Honouring His Excellency’s speech, M. Marouane Ben Jemaa, AmCham Tunisia President, on this occasion shared his thoughts by bringing up the vital role that AmCham Tunisia plays in bridging the gap between the latest technologies and the Tunisian market, fostering innovation and progress. As a strong and credible organization, AmCham Tunisia will blow up another candle. “Amazingly, we will celebrate its 35th anniversary in the coming weeks!”. He rejoiced. In addition, he said that the chamber has always stood as a bridge between Tunisian and American business communities. This partnership allows us to grow and thrive despite all challenges. Alongside the board members, he is committed to carrying forward AmCham’s mission of strengthening bilateral trade and investment between Tunisia and the United States, as he announced launching a two-year program to reinforce ties with American companies, such as promoting handicraft products in the U.S. and boosting its sustainable tourism by creating scientific and cultural events. To sum up his speech, he conveyed, “Let us continue to uphold the shared values of innovation, entrepreneurship, and partnership that have always defined our relationship with the United States. With trust and commitment, we can take AmCham Tunisia to new heights.” The evening was mesmerizing and ran smooth as silk. We, AmCham Tunisia, had an extraordinary moment to exchange cultural thoughts about both countries and sustain continued contribution with the U.S. Embassy in Tunis.
Embark on another new chapter ! Elective General Assembly
The American Chamber of Commerce Tunisia – AmCham Tunisia held its 7th Elective General Assembly at Concorde Hotel Les Berges du Lac in Tunis.
Women Sustainable Alliance
On August 13th, 2024, we celebrated Tunisian women and witnessed the birth of a new female network, The Women Sustainable Alliance, presided over by Mrs Donia Hamouda, CEO and founder of Tourismag.com. The network aims to recognize women with remarkable skills leading the tourism and hospitality sector sustainably and passionately to shape the future of Tunisia. The International Women Entrepreneur Council (CIFE) introduced the Women Sustainable Alliance at Dar El Molk, the guest house located a few miles from the capital, in the middle of the townie Mornag. It is known for its agricultural plain, mainly covered with vineyards and olive trees. The CIFE president, Mrs Rachida Jabnoun, opened the ceremony with powerful words to glorify the Tunisian Woman for her achievements and leadership. Their excellencies, the ambassador of Türkiye in Tunis, the ambassador of Senegal in Tunis, the ambassador of Switzerland in Tunis and the ambassador of Argentina in Tunis, followed her talk by expressing their contentment for being present. Keynote speakers from various fields addressed their concerns about the Tunisian tourism model, its impact on the environment and the role of women in this sector. Mrs Houda Nefzaoui from USAID Visit Tunisia Activity explained through statistics the competitiveness of Tunisian tourism compared with internationally famous destinations. She added that this Alliance can raise awareness about sustainability as tourism is bound to land and considered a means of socio-economic development, especially in developing countries such as Tunisia. From our AmChamers [Members], Mrs Meriem Driss was present as a pioneer of the hospitality industry in Tunisia. We want to cheer her up about her contribution to promoting tourism in Tunisia, and we are delighted to have her among our family members at AmCham Tunisia. Considering CIFE as a close association, AmCham Tunisia was thrilled to advertise this event for an effective partnership, as it is crucial to encourage and support women in these roles to promote gender diversity and strengthen the whole sector.
Tunisian Olive Oil triumphed by winning 62 Gold Medals
To honour the 62 gold medals given to Tunisian companies at the United States International Olive Oil Competition (USIOOC), Miami 2024, His Excellency M. Joe Hood, U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, hosted winners on July 17th, 2024, to pay them tribute. In his speech, His Excellency heartily welcomed everyone. He sparked his curiosity in how he learned in many ways about Tunisian Olive Oil, such as gastronomy, harvesting and its benefits for health. In addition, he enlightened the U.S. Embassy in Tunis’s encouragement by enhancing the Olive Oil sector in Tunisia and working on new opportunities for Tunisian SMEs. On top of that, he proudly expressed the presence of numerous Olive Oil products “Made in Tunisia” on the shelves of various supermarkets in the United States, not to mention, “It should be well known for its quality in all corners of the world”. He summarized his speech with a pleasant sentence, “As an Organic Olive Oil leader and a second supplier of bottled Olive Oil products in the United States, I can’t help but wait to see Tunisia in the first rank in this sector at all levels, and we, the United States of America, are committed to promoting you.” Following His Excellency’s speech, M. Raouf Chouket, Co-Founder and CEO of the Swedish Startup Global International Olive Oil Competitions (GIOOC AB) and President of the leading international extra virgin Olive Oil competition, gave a talk about the challenges that Tunisian Olive Oil companies are facing to export their products to the U.S. Market and looking for more facilitations from the U.S. Government. Mrs. Rym Ayari, Vice President at AmCham Tunisia, marked the event as a further collaboration with Tunisian Olive Oil companies.
First Time Summer Innovation Camp in Tunis By Amcham Tunisia
Embrace change, jump on the opportunity, explore a leadership style and connect with like-minded people for long-lasting relationships. With this spirit, Avila University embarked on its first Summer Innovation Camp in Tunis at La Cité des Sciences. This exclusivity partnered with PMO_University of Carthage, Tunis Science City, Global Entrepreneurship Network, Ministry of Education in Tunis, National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, AmCham Tunisia and Amideast Tunisia. The Summer Innovation Camp in Tunis was inaugurated by His Excellency Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research M. Moncef Boukthir, His Excellency the U.S. Ambassador in Tunis M. Joey R. Hood, The President of Avila University M. Jim Burkee and the Dean of the University of Carthage Mrs Nadia Mzoughi. It started on June 24th, 2024 and ended on June 28th, 2024. Experts from various sectors were present to provide students with consistent workshops. Among, M. Tom Sullivan heads small business policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. During the Political & Legal Influence of SMEs in the United States and Abroad course, he intended to provide models used regionally and nationally in the United States, such as international approaches and dove into challenges confronting SME stakeholders SMEs’ political and economic influence and how that value translates into a legal framework advantageous to the SME community. By the end of the fifth-day program, June 29th, 2024, Avila University planned a pitch competition for each course. M. Noomane Fehri, a former Minister of Communication Technologies and Digital Economy of Tunisia, CEO at OurDigitalFuture.org and a board member of AmCham Tunisia, was one of the Jury members in one of the appealing courses, AI Ethics and Governance. In the competition-themed AI in Healthcare, students performed by creating technologies to improve health professionals’ capabilities while enhancing the patient experience. What creativity we witnessed in the eyes of these tennprenneurs! To honour the Summer Innovation Camp Delegation, AmCham Tunisia praised this occasion with a Momentous Cocktail over the scenic view of the Mediterranean Sea at Villa Didon Carthage. This event helped our AmChamers [Members] and friends build connections and meet the delegation to learn more about American education opportunities.
Amcham Tunisia Thriving with IHEC Carthage
Another one was added to the bucket. Welcome AmCham Junior Chapter IHEC Carthage. On June 14th, 2024, AmCham Tunisia and the IHEC Carthage signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the presence of AmCham Tunisia President M. Naceur Hidoussi and Director of the IHEC Carthage M. Hassen Mzali at IHEC Carthage premises. The MoU aims to establish an AmCham Tunisia Junior Chapter for students in the IHEC Carthage. Both organizations agreed to undertake joint implementation of cooperation programs focusing on the capacity to build and contribute to the success of the AmCham Tunisia Junior Chapter in the IHEC Carthage. Moreover, this agreement will encourage IHEC Carthage students to generate business ideas that drive profitability, growth, and sustainability for better career perspectives. The AmCham Tunisia Junior Chapter in the IHEC Carthage is an unparalleled opportunity to wring out the Tunisian’s youth potential. On the other hand, AmCham Tunisia has a mission to cultivate future leaders and harness the power of networks and relationships for a better future for the Tunisian youth community.