September 2012
Editorial The US-Morocco Strategic Dialogue hosted in Washington early this month is a very important milestone in USMorocco bilateral relationship.The meeting took place at the State Department headquarters and was co-chaired by Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton and Saad Eddine Othmani, Moroccan Minister for Foreign Affairs. The US-Morocco Strategic Dialogue, the first one of series to come, is aimed at boosting bilateral relations in four main areas including economy, security, culture understanding and politics. During this meeting, the US and Morocco agreed on a path to secure ongoing democratic reforms, economic growth, tolerance, and stability in a region facing new challenges and change. They set up a framework to work on business, energy, education, security, human rights, interfaith relations and political issues. On the important bilateral issue of working together to realistically resolve the Western Sahara, Secretary Clinton has reiterated that the compromise political solution that Morocco has put on the table with its Autonomy Initiative is 'serious, credible and realistic.' Secretary Clinton has also emphasized that support for this kind of compromise solution has been unchanged and continues to be the policy of the Obama Administration today.
Inside this issue AmCham Members News
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Kraft takeover Bimo
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Food & Beverage Sector
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Totalization Agreement
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Ad Corner
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AmCham Announcements
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AmCham Services
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AmCham Gala Ball
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Business and Travel
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Corporate Sponsors
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The two countries agreed the next meeting of the strategic dialogue will be held in 2013, in Morocco.
; Lorem Ipsum Dolor Spring 2016 New Talents signs a partnership with Aims International
The Head hunting & Executive search firm New Talents Consulting signed a partnership with AIMS International, one of the Top 10 Global Executive search firms worldwide, for global collaboration for professional talent acquisition. AIMS International’s President Rolf Heeb was proud to present the new Partner as “a growth oriented Executive Search Firm in some very important – prospect – markets for AIMS International”. Whereas the precondition for a partnership with AIMS International is to be a well respected leader in the local market and to focus solely on retained executive search and consulting. AIMS International Morocco fulfills these prerequisites. Furthermore they have an international vision for their business. This combination guarantees the perfect fit to the other AIMS International Partners.” Of course, AIMS International Morocco will first have to adapt to the processes of the international organization before getting successful, but this is planned for the next weeks, says AIMS International Executive VP John Poracky. For more information: www.aims.ma
Karim Ahniche, Managing Director, New Talents Karim Ahniche has an extensive experience with leading international companies in different senior and management-level positions. He has more than 10 year- experience in the broadcast industry around the MENA region. He has worked with companies like Reuters and MBC, as well as Freelance.com, a leading European recruitment company. Karim Ahniche has access to an extensive network of contacts and remains actively involved in the MENA market at a senior level.
Farewell dinner for Board Member Michael Oakley About OCP-Jacobs Engineering Joint-Venture The US construction company, Jacobs Engineering Group, and Morocco's Office Cherifien des Phosphates (OCP) have signed an agreement to create an engineering Joint-Venture in 2010.
AmCham Board hosted a farewell dinner in honor of Michael Oakley, General Manager of Jacobs Engineering Morocco. Michael Oakley started the OCP-Jacobs Engineering Joint-Venture in 2010. He departed for a new position with Jacobs in the US effective September 15, 2012.
As part of this agreement, the new company, called JESA, will provide OCP with world-class tools to support its industrial and expansion strategy, mainly its USD 5 billion investment program. JESA represents a powerful combination of engineering, project management and construction management resources, and provides services to industrial projects both in Morocco and internationally. 2
; Spring 2016 Kraft Foods takes full control of Bimo, Morocco's top biscuit
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“Kraft said its operations in the Middle East and North Africa are an important part of its global business and overall strategy.”
In September 11th, 2012, Kraft Foods has signed an agreement to acquire the remaining 50% stake of Moroccan biscuit manufacturer Biscuiterie Industrielle du Moghreb (BIMO). The US food giant will purchase the remaining share from local investment holding National Investment Co (SNI) for MAD1.31bn (USD150m). "This transaction paves the way for a new phase in strengthening Bimo's leadership and development," SNI said in an emailed statement, citing Kraft Foods as "top partner because of its expertise and knowhow" in the cookie industry. Kraft said the deal is subject to customary regulatory approvals. A source close to the deal said it expected to be finalized within six months. In October, Kraft will split into two companies, one focused on cookies and candy in overseas markets and one focused on North American grocery. Kraft said its operations in the Middle East and North Africa are "an important part" of its global business and overall strategy to grow in developing markets.
The group intends to continue to grow BIMO and its brands in conjunction with Kraft Foods' broader Moroccan operations, which it says will "ultimately benefit BIMO and the Moroccan economy as a whole". "For several years, Kraft Foods and SNI enjoyed a strong and successful partnership in the jointly-owned BIMO, and this transaction is clearly aligned to fit our respective strategies," said president of Kraft Foods Middle East & Africa, Lawrence MacDougall. "I am excited about our business prospects in Middle East and Africa in general, and in Morocco in particular, where this agreement will serve to reinforce our position as ‘a global snacks powerhouse Internationally and also in this region."
Kraft Foods, established in Casablanca since 2001, operates in the areas of coffee, juice powder, chewing gum and confectionery. It has two production units and employs 350 people. At the international level the group's products are present in nearly 170 countries. It has about 126,000 employees and reported in 2011 a turnover of USD 54 billion and nearly 30% in emerging markets.
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Lorem Ipsum Dolor Spring 2016 Overview of the Food and Beverage Sector in Morocco
The Moroccan plan “Rawaj” dedicated to the development of local trade plans the Construction of 600 big and middle supermarket with 50 hypermarkets, in addition to 15 malls all over Morocco by 2020. Morocco launched a set of projects to develop the touristic sector. This development will create a higher demand for Food & Beverage industry products.
Benefiting from Morocco’s temperate climate, good soil, and water resources, the food industry is the second largest processing industry in Morocco after the chemicals and para-chemicals sector. It generates an output of USD 8 billion and an added value of USD 2.07 billion and represent 31% of total GDP. With exports reaching USD 2.4 billion in 2009, the industry processes mainly meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, oils, milk products, cereals, flour and grits, beverages and tobacco. The United States is Morocco's first largest supplier of agri-food and seafood products with USD 697 million, followed by Brazil with USD 692 million, France with USD 584 million and Canada with USD 309 million. Morocco's key agri-food and seafood imports in 2009 were cereals, animal or vegetable fats, soybean oil, raw sugar cane and oil seeds. There are 2000 companies working within the food industry in Morocco. The most important national companies are belonging to the ONA group in addition to Multinational companies such as Coca Cola, Unilever, Nestle and others. Moroccan food & beverage products sector will grow as a result of the demand coming from other sectors such as tourism and construction.
Morocco to become a hub for halal label certification The city of Meknes hosted the first international food exhibition entirely dedicated to promote the export of halal food. The event was organized thanks to the contribution of MCC and local Moroccan agencies. For the first time, an official halal Label will be established in Morocco which will allow the food industry professionals to provide millions of consumers the reassurance of certified genuine halal products. Pioneer countries like Turkey, Malaysia, France or Belgium were invited to feed back their halal labeling experience during the exhibition conferences in order to highlight the necessity to set up an official labeling and certification organization. Halal Label will be coordinated by Moroccan authorities including ONSSA, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Islamic affairs. The Kingdom of Morocco is today an economical hub which sits at a crossroads between Europe, Africa and the Middle East offering major opportunities for local and foreign companies to meet business partners and develop their export activity, particularly in the halal food industry.
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MATIC to launch an Alliance for Morocco -US Totalization Spring 2016
AmCham and the Moroccan American Center for Trade and Investment (MATIC) joined forces to advocate for a Totalization agreement between Morocco and the US. This initiative came as a result of series of meetings and discussions held with American expats in Morocco and NGOs representing Moroccan expats in the US such as AMPA, Morocco Board and Washigton Club. A Totalization agreement is an international agreement dealing with social security taxes and benefits. The word “Totalization” pertains to the fact that some aspects of the agreement involve “combining” a person’s work, time and earnings in the two countries that sign the agreement. The US and Morocco already have Totalization agreements in place with other trading partners, and it is logical that, given that the US and Morocco already have a double taxation treaty and a Free Trade Agreement, that there be a Totalization agreement to bring into harmony their respective social security regimes. A Morocco-US Totalization agreement would protect the benefit rights of workers who divide their working careers between the US and Morocco.
The agreement would eliminate situations in which workers or employers are required to pay Social Security taxes to both countries on the same earnings. In addition, Totalization agreements remove legal obstacles that prevent a person who has earned benefits in one country from receiving those benefits while residing in the other country. There are Tens of thousands of Moroccans who work in the US and hundreds of US citizens employed in Morocco who are at a disadvantage when it comes to social security payments and benefits in both countries. During the week of September 10, Morocco and the US initiated a Strategic Dialogue to raise the status and importance of the bilateral relationship. One of the items proposed for discussion was the need for a Totalization agreement that would eliminate disadvantages to Americans and Moroccans working in each other’s countries. AmCham and MATIC launched a coalition group of all interested parties to petition both the US and Moroccan governments to move ahead on a Totalization agreement. Tentatively, it is being referred to as “AMUST - Alliance for Morocco US Totalization.”
Situation of social security as concluded by Morocco with foreign countries Signed and ratified Agreements Signed but not yet ratified Agreements France: July 9, 1965 Algeria: February 23, 1991 Belgium: June 24, 1968 U.M.A: March 10, 1991 (Multilateral) Netherlands: February 14, 1972 Italy: February 18, 1994 Spain: November 8, 1979 Quebec: May 25, 2000 Sweden: January 4, 1980 Egypt: May 12, 2006 Germany: March 25, 1981 Luxembourg: October 2, 2006 Denmark: April 24, 1982 Agreements under negotiation Romania: July 27, 1983 Norway Libya: August 4, 1983 Greece Tunisia: February 5, 1987 Turkey Canada: July 1, 1998
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Ad Corner
Spring 2016
The Executive Education Center of Al Akhawayn University 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 in Public Management, Change Management, E-learning, Communication skills as well as computer science skills. Information on Programs, contact Majdouline El Hassouni at 0522 503 664 or email: M.Elhassouni@aui.ma
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AmCham Announcements
AMATIA Awards 2012 The American Chamber of Commerce in Morocco (AmCham) is delighted to announce the launch of the sixth edition of the AmCham-OCP MoroccanAmerican Trade and Investment Award. This award recognizes American and Moroccan businesses –small, medium or large – that have succeeded in bilateral trade and/or investment through welldesigned and innovative strategies while demonstrating good corporate citizenship. The selection committee, composed of AmCham Board Members, will evaluate the applications based on quantitative and qualitative criteria and select the award winner(s). The winning firms will be announced at the 2012 AmCham Annual Gala Ball, to be held on December 8th, 2012. Interested firms in this award must submit their nomination form before November 15th, 2012.
Spring 2016
AmCham CV Database The AmCham CV database is a FREE service offered to AmCham members who are looking to recruit bilingual profiles. How do I use the CV database? 1. Register at: http://www.moroccousafta.com/offre/A ccueilEmploi.php 2. A validation message will be received within the following hour to confirm your registration. 3. Use your log in and password to access the database. What service is available under the CV database? 1. You can search for CVs by category such as: bachelor, masters or engineer. 2. You can post a job offer and receive CVs directly on your e-mail address. Log in TODAY and let us know if you have any difficulty using this service. Contact:
We look forward to your participation in this innovative new award.
amcham@amcham-morocco.com
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AmCham Services
Spring 2016
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.
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Business environment briefings.
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Business matchmaking/One- on- One meetings/Partner search.
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Business referrals.
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Business Executive Visa Program (BEP).
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CV database.
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Committees.
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Discounts.
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Events: Seminars, debates, roundtables, gala ball, golf challenge and Mixers.
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Information on U.S.- Morocco Trade and Investment.
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Mediation.
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Promotional opportunities on AmCham website, E-Newsletter and Annual Directory.
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Publications and Reports: Annual Directory, E-newsletter, OBG report.
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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 36- 0522 25 07 37 or send an e-mail to amcham@amcham-morocco.com
Advertise in the AmCham Newsletter
Advertise in the AmCham Web site
ADVERTISING RATES Quarter Page: DH 2500 Half Page: DH 5000 Logo (1 year): DH 6000
ADVERTISING RATES Logo (1 year): DH 6000 Banner (1 year): DH 6000 Reserve by e-mail:
Reserve by e-mail:
amcham@amcham-morocco.com
amcham@amcham-morocco.com
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AmCham Gala Ball 2012
Spring 2016
Date: Saturday, December 8th, 2012 Sponsorships opportunities Platinum Level – DH 60 000
Gold Level – DH 40 000
• Includes 15 tickets to the event
• Includes 10 tickets to the event
• Logo on the invitation card
• Logo on the invitation card
• One full-page ads in the Annual Directory
• Half-page ads in the Annual Directory
Silver Level – DH 20 000 • Includes 5 tickets to the event
Individual tickets: DH 1250 Tables of 10 guests: DH 12500
• Logo on the invitation card Dress code: Black tie/long dress or caftan Dinner and open bar included. Reservations: amcham@amcham-morocco.com Tel: 212 522 250 736 – 212 522 250 737
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Business and Travel to the US
Spring 2016
PACK EXPO International 2012 PACK EXPO International (October 28–31, 2012 • Chicago, IL • packexpo.com) will focus on the latest developments in packaging and processing technology and will showcase exhibitors’ stateof-the-art advances in packaging machinery, processing machinery, converting machinery, materials, packages and containers, and components. PACK EXPO International draws exhibitors: (1,916 in 2010) and decision makers from 125 countries—more than 45,000 people looking for packaging and processing solutions. PACK EXPO International features industry-specific exhibit areas such as The Pharmaceutical, Reusable Packaging, and Confectionery Pavilions, The Processing Zone, and The Brand Zone. It is also a three-day conference program for both visitors and exhibitors on global issues of interest to industries including packaging & related converting machinery, materials, packages, containers, controls, software, components, sensing & inspection systems, robotics, and design systems. Benefits for IBP Attendees: Complimentary registration /Airfare and hotel discounts/ Complimentary International Networking Reception / International Agent-Distributor Matchmaking Program / Access to the International Buyer Center, which includes a lounge with complimentary coffee & refreshments, Wi-Fi access, computer terminals & printers, private meeting rooms, and support staff / Invitations to US Commercial Service Delegate Leader “Thank you” Dinner. Contact: Philippa Olsen, Philippa.Olsen@trade.gov, +1 (202) 482-5449 Wifak Bennani, Wifak.Bennani@trade.gov, +212 (522) 26-45-50
And while you are in Chicago Chicago is the largest city in the State of Illinois. Chicago looks great from every angle, whether you’re exploring the city’s astonishing architecture during a guided tour or you’re enjoying the birds-eye view from the 103rd floor of Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower and the 94th floor of Hancock Observatory. The city’s 29 miles of lakefront paths are just one reason Chicago is one of the world’s most walk able and beautiful cities. Enjoy the peaceful gardens under glass at Garfield Park Conservatory and Lincoln Park Conservatory, or attend one of the free performances at the Navy Pier. Experience interactive public art, authentic Blues music, interesting architecture, fine dining and world-class museums and theatre. Chicago is also a shoppers' paradise, with the Magnificent Mile shopping area welcoming millions of visitors to its wealth of premium department stores every year. Some of the most unique items can be found in the eclectic neighborhood boutiques just a short journey from downtown and the best bargains can be found at the outlet malls statewide. To make sure you don’t miss out on anything the city has to offer, please visit: www.choosechicago.com 10
AmCham E-Newsletter
September 2012
AmCham Upcoming Events Mixer Event on Impact of US Election on the Economy In partnership with DAR AMERICA Date: Thursday, October 11th, 2012 Workshop on FTA and US Market Access for Agribusiness and Handicrafts In partnership with Morocco Economic Competitiveness Program (MEC - USAID) Date: Thursday, October 25th, 2012 Conference on “Private Equity Fund: Funding opportunities for SME’s” In partnership with CDG Capital Date: Friday, November 9th, 2012 AmCham-OCP Trade and Investment Awards (AMATIA 2012) Deadline for applying: November 15th, 2012.
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