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.
Increasing awareness of international transport industry
May 7-8, 2024 – at the Movenpick Gammarth Hotel in Tunis, the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce Tunisia, research center Sandia National Laboratories, and non-profit C4ADS hosted 17 representatives of Tunisian transport companies and law firms for a workshop aimed at building sanctions risk management capacity. The workshop included a diversified agenda, case studies, and tabletop discussions. Topics included an overview of UN, EU, and US sanctions; risks of transacting with sanctioned entities; and monitoring for illicit practices in the maritime and aviation industries. Instructors coached attendees on how to use dozens of online tools to help perform due diligence checks and identify fraudulent documentation. Speakers also discussed international requirements for company and vessel registration. Participants were actively engaged throughout the workshop, saying their knowledge of sanctions had improved tremendously. With Tunisia’s vast trade potential and based on the event’s success, AmCham will provide notice of any follow-on workshops. As American financial historian Peter L. Bernstein said, “Risk management means protecting oneself from the adverse and unexpected decisions others may make, and in the process, making better decisions than they do.”
Ordinary General Assembly – Amcham Tunisia
AmCham Tunisia announces the holding of its Ordinary General Assembly on October 27th, 10 am @ Concorde Hotel Les Berges du Lac The agenda is as follows: – Presentation and adoption of the AmCham activity report. – Presentation and adoption of the financial report. – Appointment of a new Auditor – Set the date of the Elective General Assembly Naceur Hidoussi President
GSP ANALYSIS TRADE ORGANIC POTENTIAL TUNISIA-USA
Presentation of GSP U.S. trade preference programs such as the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) is the largest and oldest U.S. trade preference program. Established by the Trade Act of 1974, (this program aims to foster the integration of developing countries into the multilateral trading system and promote development through trade) GSP promotes economic development by eliminating duties on thousands of products when imported from one of 119 designated beneficiary countries and territories. US Tunisia trade key data Tunisia is currently the 99th largest goods trading partner with $931 million in total (two way) goods trade during 2019. Goods exports totaled $461 million Goods imports totaled $470 million The U.S. goods trade deficit with Tunisia was $9 million in 2019. According to the US Department of Commerce, U.S. exports of goods to Tunisia supported an estimated 3 thousand jobs in the USA in 2015 (latest data available). Top Export Category to the US •U.S. goods export from Tunisia totaled $470 million in 2019 up 44.2% from 2009 •The top export categories •electrical machinery ($102 million) •animal or vegetable fats and oils -olive oil ($97 million) •woven apparel ($58 million) •machinery ($49 million) •and edible fruit & nuts (date, fig) ($19 million) Top 25 of GSP underutilized codes results in loss of $28 millions USD for Tunisia exporters USTR data 2019 Actions Inform •About 20% of Tunisia companies eligible to a GSP privilege are not claiming or underutilizing GSP – mainly in the automotive – aeronautics Increase quotas •About 80% of Tunisia exports under GSP are food related items. The quotas are nearly fully utilized (95%) ADD HS codes There is a large untapped potential in the automotive (electronics – cables, etc.) (cf. ITC data –Trade DSM) •Members requested for new HS: fruits / automotive / Dates Paste / Packaged Dates / Tuna and Sardines in olive oil / Tires / Galvanized tubes and coils / Electrical sub-assembly Cards Equipped with an Electronic Integrated Circuit (Smart Cards) / Printed circuits board / plastic parts / Aluminum box / Articles / sanitary ware / Ceramics / Floor tiles Advocacy for GSP Discussion with USTR •Better understand how countries are evaluated and GSP reconducted •Addendum of HS codes that can promote new sectors (cf. success story of arts and crafts)- •also help Tunisia better integration since GSP represents only 32% of traded goods with US •Technical assistance – capacity building programs (cosmetics – drugs) Communication on GSP •Discussion with private sector to increase awareness •Modelization with international trade specialist to understand the impact of GSP on new sectors •Consultation with agri-food sector to better understand needs related to GSP (Quotas, renewal, etc.)
The AmCham Sfax Chapter is renewed!
In the presence of His Excellency Joey Hood, United States Ambassador to Tunisia, the handover and presentation of the new Members of the Executive Board of the AMCHAM Sfax Chapter (Tunisian American Chamber of Commerce) took place. This event was an opportunity for Members and Friends of the chamber to meet and discuss with Ambassador Joey Hood, who is visiting Sfax for the first time. Indeed Mr Amin Sellami succeeds Mr Nabil Triki at the head of the chamber. The New President Mr Amin Sellami presented the members of his executive office which is composed as follows: Mrs.Sana Keskes-Mr.Sami Triki-Mrs.Emna Ben Arab-Mr.Moez Regayeg-Mrs.Rym Makhloufi-Mr.Ahmed Masmoudi-Mrs.RandaTmar-Mr.Malek Triki-Mrs.Neila Borgi-Mr.Omar Chaari-Mr.Kamel Moalla & Mr.Anis Yaiche
Breakfast Debate on the Honor of H.E Joey Hood, United States Ambassador to Tunisia
Ambassador Joey Hood received a warm welcome on March 1st from AmCham Board Members & US Companies established in Tunisia. Ambassador Hood and AmCham members discussed avenues to strengthen U.S. investment in Tunisia, enhance the bilateral trade partnership, and bolster Tunisians’ economic opportunities.
US BUSINESS VISA PROGRAM
Through the launch of the U.S. Business Visa Program, AmCham Tunisia members will be able to request visa appointments for business travel to the United States. The U.S. Business Visa Program aims to further expand commercial ties between the United States and Tunisia by assisting AmCham members in developing deeper connections with their American business counterparts.
