Communiqué March 2012 AmCham hosts US Chamber of Commerce Business Delegation h
On March 20 , AmCham hosted a lunch in honor of a business delegation in the sectors of solar energy, defense, aerospace, transportation and technology systems led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The delegation was comprised of representatives from eleven companies including Eaton Industries, First Solar, General Dynamics, Harris Corp., Honeywell International, Lockheed Martin, Manas Development Group, Petra Solar Inc., Raytheon, Sun Edison, SunPower Corp., and USTDA. The lunch was organized under the theme: “Why Morocco” and was addressed by a panel of speakers including Walter Siouffi, AmCham President and CEO of Citibank, Brian Shukan, US Consul General, El Aid Mahsoussi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Lionel Jonson, Vice President of the U.S. Chamber. In their remarks, panelists highlighted Morocco’s strengths in attracting foreign direct investment which include social and political stability, a geostrategic location, healthy macroeconomic indicators, skilled labor, low inflation rate, a relatively stable economic growth and free trade agreements with the EU, US and Arab Countries.
El Aid Mahssoussi addressig the U.S. Chamber Business Delegation.
Panelists also emphasized Morocco’s ambitious programme of structural reforms in several fields, aiming at further liberalizing its economy, enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector and attracting more FDI. The lunch was followed by a question and answer session on US-Morocco relations and FTA. As a result of this event, AmCham will organize a focus group to discuss obstacles to trade with the US and actions to take to help AmCham members seize FTA opportunities.
Upcoming Events
Inside this issue ... issue... U.S. Chamber Business Delegation AmCham Roundtable on Counterfeiting Get to Know AmCham Members The Global Business Conference Join us in Welcoming New Members Ad Corner AmCham Services
AmCham members at the U.S. Chamber Business Delegation lunch.
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AmCham celebrates IPR Day April 26, 2012 New Opportunities in a Changing Arab World Tunis, May 10-11, 2012 Roundtable with OPIC May 21, 2012
AMCHAM EVENTS
AmCham Roundtable on Counterfeiting of Drugs and Hygiene Products On March 15 th , AmCham organized a roundtable on counterfeiting of drugs and hygiene products in celebration of Consumer Protection Day. The Roundtable was opened by AmCham Vice President, Azzedine Kettani, Brian Shukan, US Consul General and Zakaria Fahim, Head of the Ethics Committee at CGEM. A panel of speakers representing key government agencies including OMPIC, CONPIAC, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Health and the Customs Agency addressed participants and gave them an overview of prevention measures to fight counterfeiting in Morocco. The panel also responded to series of questions related to legal pursuits and seizing procedures.
AmCham Roundtable on Counterfeiting addressed by Azzedine Kettani and Brian Shukan.
At the closing of the Roundtable, AmCham Managing Director announced the winners of the Anti-Counterfeit Poster Contest organized on Facebook in favor of students of Business Schools and Universities accross Morocco. AmCham Vice President presented certificates of recognition to all the agencies present at the event for their outstanding efforts on Anti-counterfeit in Morocco and called them for more interaction and information sharing. AmCham thanked the media who were also present at the event including 2M and private radio stations for their contribution and called them for more awareness campaigns to protect consumers against smuggling and counterfeiting.
CGEM, OMPIC, CONPIAC, Customs Agency, Ministry of Commerce and AFAK receiving Recognition Certficates from AmCham Vice President.
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Rabia El Alama handing the Prize for Best Poster on Anti-Counterfeit of Drugs to Fatima Zahraa Zaikh, Student at ENCG Settat.
AMCHAM MEMBERS
Introducing DuPont DeNemours Morocco DuPont De Nemours opened a representation office in Morocco early this year. DuPont Morocco is part of DuPont EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) which covers: - 36 countries - 185 sites - 18760 employees - 87 nationalities and 33 languages. Founded in 1802 in Wilmington, Delaware, DuPont’s activity is to put science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in approximately 90 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and
Xavier Ciurana, CEO of DuPont DeNemours Morocco.
apparel. DuPont’s foundation values safety and health, environmental stewardship, highest ethical behavior and respect for people. More on DuPont at: http://www2.dupont.com Short Bio of Xavier Ciurana, CEO of DuPont DeNemours Morocco Xavier Ciurana is a Chemical Engineer who graduated from Polytechnic University of Barcelona. He started his career with Imperial Chemical Industries before joining DuPont DeNemours in 1980 where he had several international assignments including Paris, Geneva and Barcelona. Since summer 2011, Xavier Ciurana is the President of DuPont DeNemours Morocco based in Casablanca.
MENA AmCham Annual Conference ‘New Opportunities in a Changing Arab World Host: Tunisian American Chamber of Commerce-TACC Chair of the MENA Council Dates: May 10th and 11th, 2012 Location: The Residence Tunis Hotel, Tunisia Context and Theme The MENA region presents vast opportunities as a trading bloc for U.S. companies. The upcoming conference will assess ways of building on the current initiatives to promote trade both with the United States and among MENA-member countries; highlighting success stories of American and local companies, setting a benchmark for a strong presence in the region. The Conference will also present business opportunities in the ICT, tourism, infrastructure, agribusiness and renewable-energy sectors; highlighting opportunities for U.S. engagement within those sectors, and opportunities among regional members. Program and Registration at: http://www.amchammena.org/mena_conf/
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AMCHAM NEWS
AmCham Morocco attends the Global Business Conference in Washington, D.C. AmCham Managing Director, Rabia El Alama, attended Secretary Clinton’s Global Business Conference in Washington, D.C. This Conference brought for the first time leaders from corporations and AmChams around the world to the State Department for two days of intense discussions on how the US can work better with these partners. A summary of the event and a synthesis of key insights from three main Break Out sessions on the Near Eastern Region are as follow: Session on Facilitating Business addressed by panelists from the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and U.S. Department of Commerce. During this session, panelists gave an overview of activities to promote U.S. exports and assist American companies in the region, through trade Secretary Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden addressing participants at the Global Business missions, feasibility studies, and corporate Conference. matchmaking. Participants urged the U.S to become more aggressive in facilitating trade and investment in the region. Among the areas mentioned for improvement were the following: increase efforts to ease customs restrictions, broaden the adoption of U.S. business standards, focus on small and medium enterprises, engage the media to highlight small and medium enterprise success stories and report on business opportunities in the region, and ensure concrete follow up to the numerous delegations frequently visiting the Middle East and North African countries.
Session on Financing Opportunities addressed by panelists from the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Panelists gave an overview of activities to promote U.S. exports and assistant American companies in the Middle East and North African region through credit enhancements, political risk insurance, and direct lending. Participants urged the U.S. government to be more aggressive in advertising these services in the region, and to better serve local small and medium-sized enterprises. Session on Promoting Trade and Investment addressed by panelists from the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Panelists focused their remarks on increasing trade and investment by helping create welcoming business environments, providing support for small and medium enterprises that are underserved in these markets, and encouraging intra-regional trade. Participants highlighted the following priorities: foster trade through vertical integration between North and Sub-Saharan Africa, in addition to horizontal geographical integration across the region, continue developing partnerships to create jobs, obtain better tax treatment for U.S. exports, include economic/commercial talking points in high-level bilateral meetings and adequately staff the commercial offices of our Embassies in the region, ease U.S. visa procedures, and promote English-language education and technical assistance.
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AMCHAM NEWS
AmCham welcomes New Members Libya Oil Maroc (Fuels, lubricants and derived products distribution) Mr. Rachid Choukry – Director General American Northwest Inc. (Construction products, green products, industrial and lumber products) Mr. Adil Marsamane, CEO Mrs. Elizabeth Marsamane, Director General BIMO (Biscuits, wafers, cakes and pastry) Mr. Saïd Moudafi, CEO CDG Capital (Investment Bank) Mr. Marwane Mansouri, Communication Director Mr. Mohamed Chbani, Director of Research Euler Hermes Acmar (Credit Insurance) Mr. Jean Christophe Batlle, CEO Mr. Youssef Douieb, Deputy Director General Scandinavian Auto Maroc (Exclusive importer of Volvo cars) Mr. Mohamed Abdelouahad El Kadiri, CEO Mr. Mourad Belgnaoui, Director General
Selected Trade Shows for Exporters
Selected Trade Shows for Importers
Summer Fancy Food Show June 17-19 2012Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
The International Plastics Showcase (NPE2012) April 1-5, 2012 Orlando, Florida. http://www.npe.org
http://www.specialtyfood.com/fancy-food-show/summerfancy-food-show/
International Franchise Expo June 15-17, 2012 Jacob Javits center, New York http://www.ifeinfo.com/
New York Gift Fair August 18-23, 2012 Jacob Javits Center, New York http://www.nyigf.com
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AD CORNER
Executive Education Center (EEC) The Executive Education Center of Al Akhawayn University was created in 1998 at the initiative of the U.S. Government with an initial grant of US$ 3 million. The main goal of EEC is to contribute to higher education development as well as executive education in Morocco. Over the past 10 years, EEC developed successful programs including part time MBAs, Executive MBAs and soon two specialized masters. AmCham plays a key role in EEC by serving as equal partner to Al Akhawayn in the process of the development and the establishment of the center and exercising a joint control of the endowment fund. EEC Degree Programs Part Time MBA Executive MBA Masters : Masters of Sciences in Logistics and Supply Chain Management &Masters in International Trade EEC Continuing Education Program EEC has developed customized trainings that respond to specific needs of continuing education both in the private and public sector, some of these trainings include: Public Management training for Interior Ministry employees, Change Management training for Moroccan School Leaders, E-learning for Moroccan Professors, Communication skills as well as computer science skills. Information on Programs, contact Majdouline El Hassouni Tel: 0522 503 664 or email M.Elhassouni@aui.ma
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AMCHAM SERVICES
Do you know the list of services available for you? AmCham is pleased to remind you of the benefits and services offered to members. Take advantage of your membership and use the list of services hereafter. AmCham staff is here to serve you! * Advocacy and assistance with business concerns. * Business environment briefings. * Business matchmaking/One- on- One meetings/Partner search. * Business referrals. * Business Executive Visa Program (BEP). * CV database. * Committees. * Discounts. * Events: Seminars, debates, roundtables, gala ball, golf challenge and Mixers. * Information on U.S.- Morocco Trade and Investment. * Mediation. * Promotional opportunities on AmCham website and publications. * Publications and Reports: Annual Directory, E-newsletter, OBG report. * U.S.-Morocco Trade and Investment Award. If you have a question about the services or a suggestion, feel free to call us at 0522 25 07 360522 25 07 37.
Use the AmCham Website to promote your Company
You can advertise in the AmCham CommuniquĂŠ ADVERTISING
RATES
www.amcham-morocco.com
(Non-member display ads: add 40%)
Display your Corporate logos and banners on the newly designed AmCham website at DH 6000 per year for members and DH 10000 for non members. Logos and banners are shown continuously on the homepage of the website.
Quarter Page: DH 2500 Half Page: DH 5000 Business card size: DH 2250 Logo (1 year): DH 6000
Contact AmCham at Tel : 0522 25 07 36/37/51 <amcham@amcham-morocco.com>
Contact AmCham at Tel : 0522 25 07 36/37/51 <amcham@amcham-morocco.com>
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