Latest news with #SamirMajoul
Babnet
4 days ago
- Business
- Babnet
Strengthening U.S.-Tunisian Economic Ties: High-Level Meeting Between UTICA and American Delegation Focuses on Investment, Trade, and Strategic Partnerships
Mr. Samir Majoul, President of the Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts (UTICA), received on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the organization's headquarters in the capital, Mr. Joey Hood, Ambassador of the United States of America to Tunisia, and Mr. David Hamod, President of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC), in the presence of several members of UTICA's national executive board, senior officials of the Union, representatives of various economic sectors, and the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Tunisia. During the meeting, both parties reviewed the long-standing economic relations between Tunisia and the United States, stressing the importance of building an economic partnership that serves mutual interests and benefits both countries. Mr. Samir Majoul reaffirmed Tunisia's ongoing efforts on all fronts to become an ideal destination for both national and foreign investment, and its ambition to establish international partnerships and strategic projects in various key sectors. These include energy and particularly renewable energy, due to its potential to drive sustainable development, as well as promising sectors such as sustainable agriculture, agribusiness, information and communication technologies, the digital economy, higher education, scientific research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, handicrafts, textiles, logistics, and mechanical and electrical industries. These sectors, he emphasized, have high export potential and the capacity to create jobs. He highlighted UTICA's commitment to strengthening U.S. investments and expanding trade cooperation with the United States toward Africa, the Arab world, and Europe. Mr. Majoul also underscored the high quality of Tunisian products such as olive oil and dates, as well as their unique health and environmental benefits. He stated that Tunisian olive oil, thanks to the diversity of its varieties and the richness of its soil and climate, is a high-quality natural product that contributes to carbon absorption, making it supportive of healthy diets and environmental sustainability. He warned that imposing customs duties on Tunisian exports to the U.S. market—such as olive oil, dates, textiles, and handicrafts—would negatively affect Tunisian exporters and American consumers alike, as these tariffs would drive up product prices. Mr. Majoul stressed the importance of developing U.S.-Tunisian partnerships based on trust and mutual interests, leveraging Tunisia's strategic location and its network of trade agreements. He noted that several promising sectors are ready to attract new investments and called for taking advantage of the complementarity between American expertise and Tunisian capabilities to develop joint projects, including those targeting third markets in Africa, Europe, and the Arab world. For his part, U.S. Ambassador Joey Hood affirmed the two countries share a common history that serves as a solid foundation for future relations. He emphasized the existence of numerous opportunities that require joint efforts, and acknowledged current challenges such as the trade deficit and customs duties imposed on Tunisian exports. He called for continued collaboration and the development of practical strategies to address these issues. Mr. David Hamod, President of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that the U.S. market is not a single market but rather 50 diverse markets across 50 U.S. states, which necessitates greater marketing efforts to introduce American consumers to the variety of Tunisian products. He called for better exploitation of these trade opportunities. The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of American investment in Tunisia and the mutual desire to encourage U.S. investment in Tunisia, as well as enhance Tunisian investment opportunities in the U.S. market. UTICA representatives presented the diversity of Tunisia's industrial fabric, the competitiveness and excellence of its sectors, the efficiency of its human resources, and its openness to innovation and technology. They emphasized Tunisia's ability to integrate into global value chains and highlighted the evolution and expansion of Tunisian startups toward the U.S. market. They also discussed the possibility of moving toward targeted bilateral agreements that focus on specific sectors and opportunities. The meeting concluded with a review of efforts by the American Chamber of Commerce in Tunisia to find solutions to the potential impact of tariffs on Tunisian exports, in coordination with UTICA, several universities, and professional chambers, along with the idea of organizing cultural days to promote awareness of the historical bilateral relations between Tunisia and the United States.
Babnet
4 days ago
- Business
- Babnet
Tunisia: Working Session Between UTICA and the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce
A working session was held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the headquarters of the Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA), bringing together a delegation from UTICA led by Mr. Samir Majoul, President of the Union, and a delegation from the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce headed by its President Mr. David Hamod, with the participation of the U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, Mr. Joey Hood. The U.S.-Arab Chamber's delegation included a distinguished group of representatives from leading companies operating in strategic sectors such as international trade and investment between the U.S. and the MENA region, advancements in financial technology and digital payment systems, cutting-edge innovations in drone technology, as well as support for sustainable agriculture and food security through grain storage technologies and improved agricultural value chains. The UTICA delegation included members of the national executive board, UTICA officials, and representatives from several sectors, including olive oil and date exports, robotics, aircraft parts manufacturing, automotive components, and financial technology, along with the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Tunisia. Mr. Samir Majoul emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting the growing American interest in Tunisia's economic environment. He stressed the need for joint efforts to establish partnerships based on complementarity, trust, and mutual benefit. He pointed out Tunisia's strategic location, making it an ideal regional hub due to its proximity to Europe, openness to the Arab world, and natural position as a gateway to Africa. He also cited Tunisia's trade agreements, including the partnership with the European Union, the Arab Free Trade Agreement, and its membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He expressed hope for launching a renewed dynamic of cooperation with the United States. Mr. Majoul further noted the readiness of several sectors to embrace new industrial and commercial partnerships, including fintech and electronic payment systems, aircraft and automotive components, sustainable agribusiness, and renewable agriculture, in addition to logistics and agricultural storage. He emphasized that the success of these partnerships depends on the complementarity of capabilities, combining U.S. expertise in innovation and capital with Tunisia's flexible, competitive capacities and its proximity to neighboring markets. He also highlighted promising avenues such as joint investments in third markets, including Africa, the Arab world, and Europe, where Tunisian companies have already built field experience. From his side, Mr. David Hamod, President of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, underlined the importance of this meeting in strengthening economic relations between Tunisia and the United States. He affirmed that the private sector plays a pivotal role in advancing bilateral trade and shaping concrete partnerships between economic stakeholders in both countries. Mr. Hamod pointed out that the Chamber's delegation included representatives from strategic sectors such as food sovereignty, financial security, and defense, reflecting the diversity of potential areas of cooperation. He reiterated his commitment to supporting efforts aimed at expanding bilateral collaboration. He also encouraged Tunisian actors to develop direct relationships with various U.S. states, noting that this would open up new prospects for balanced, mutually beneficial partnerships. In the same vein, U.S. Ambassador Joey Hood considered that direct relations with the fifty U.S. states represent a strategic lever, equating it to " gaining fifty economic ambassadors inside the United States." He added that strengthening these ties could practically help rebalance the U.S. trade deficit with Tunisia and address some trade issues, including customs tariffs imposed on Tunisian exports to the U.S. market. During the session, economic representatives from both sides gave in-depth presentations on their areas of activity, highlighting promising opportunities for strategic cooperation between Tunisia and the U.S. They also discussed structural challenges facing trade relations—particularly the negative impact of U.S. tariffs on Tunisian exports —and emphasized the need for effective mechanisms to overcome these obstacles, ensuring smoother trade and investment flows and enhanced economic integration. The session also highlighted Tunisia's unique geostrategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Arab world, along with its diversified industrial base and skilled human capital, as critical factors that enhance Tunisia's attractiveness for foreign investment. The discussions underscored the central role of the private sector in both countries as a true driver of economic growth and sustainable cooperation. Both parties called for the establishment of complementary, balanced partnerships that reflect shared aspirations and support economic diversification, innovation, and technology transfer across key sectors. The session reaffirmed the strategic importance of U.S. investment in Tunisia as a lever to foster growth, technology transfer, and skill development. Both sides expressed their mutual desire to intensify efforts to support the inflow of U.S. investments into Tunisia and broaden cooperation opportunities, enabling Tunisian companies to better access the U.S. market and benefit from its potential. They also confirmed their shared commitment to strengthening this partnership through a renewed vision based on equality and mutual respect, aiming to achieve sustainable, mutually beneficial outcomes across the economic spectrum. Finally, the meeting shed light on the evolution of Tunisia's economic landscape, the adaptability of its enterprises, and their openness to international markets. Many Tunisian companies are actively seeking entry into the U.S. market via .
African Manager
23-04-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia in the crosshairs of Brazilian business leaders
A Brazilian trade delegation is expected in Tunis at the end of May 2025 as part of a visit organized on the initiative of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (APEX-Brasil) to explore the Tunisian market and its products, according to Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Brazil in Tunis, Fernando José Marrone de Abreu. During a meeting held on Monday in Tunis with President of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA), Samir Majoul, the Brazilian diplomat explained that the mission, who will also include Algeria and Morocco, will be led by a number of Brazilian businessmen and representatives of economic institutions. It will be an opportunity to hold bilateral meetings and opening up new horizons for cooperation and partnership, particularly in the food processing, pharmaceutical, transport, tourism and automotive sectors… according to information published by the employers' association. Both parties underlined the importance of developing relations between the two countries, particularly in the economic and trade fields, in line with global challenges and the opportunities offered by international partnerships. In line with South-South complementarity In the same context, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen trade and investment exchanges between the two countries and broaden the horizons of cooperation in many sectors and areas. They underlined the pioneering role that the Tunisian-Brazilian Joint Business Council can play in supporting the partnership between businessmen in both countries, facilitating bilateral meetings and organizing joint economic events and exhibitions. In the same context, both parties renewed their commitment to continue working together to strengthen bilateral economic relations and promote trade in a way that serves the interests of both countries and supports the path of development and South-South complementarity, according to the same source. The meeting at the headquarters of the employers' organization was attended by a number of members of the National Executive Committee, the head of the Tunisian side of the Tunisian-Brazilian Business Council and representatives of the Union's economic sectors. It should be noted that a delegation from the Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, comprising a number of leaders from various sectors, will accompany the former Foreign Minister, Nabil Ammar, on an official working visit to Brazil in July 2024, as part of a mission representing the private sector and Tunisian official structures responsible for the pharmaceutical and phosphate sectors, in addition to customs. The visit will be marked by the organization of a Tunisian-Brazilian business forum and the activation of the joint business council, as well as the holding of bilateral meetings between the delegation of Tunisian businessmen and their Brazilian counterparts, according to the same press release. Phosphate and olive oil versus coffee and soft drinks It should be recalled that Tunisia's trade with Brazil amounted to around 1,530.4 billion dinars in 2024, compared with 1,541.1 million dinars a year ago. The same statistics show that the main products exported from Tunisia to Brazil were chemicals, phosphates, olive oil, dates and electrical machinery, while the main products imported by Brazil were coffee, sugar and soft drinks. The total volume of Brazilian olive oil imports in 2024 amounted to around 250,000 tons, with a total value of around $695 million. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1956, followed by the agreement signed in 1990, which created the Tunisian-Brazilian Joint Economic Council. In 2001, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding for political consultations.
Saraha News
12-04-2025
- Business
- Saraha News
Senator Khalil Al-Haj Tawfiq Reviews in Paris The Prospects for Enhancing Economic Cooperation Between France and Jordan
The Executive Office and Board of Directors of the Arab-French Chamber met in the French capital, Paris, headed by the Chamber's President, Vincent Reyna, with the participation of the Chamber's First Vice President and President of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, Senator Khalil Al-Haj Tawfiq, the President of the Union of Arab Chambers, Samir Majoul, the President of the Qatar Chamber, Khalifa Al Thani, and the Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers, Dr. Khaled Hanafi, in addition to members of the Chamber from the Arab and French sides. During the meetings, the current work of the Arab-French Chamber and the role it plays in strengthening and enhancing economic, trade, and investment relations between France and the Arab world were reviewed. The ongoing preparations for the upcoming Arab-French Economic Summit were also discussed. Samir Majoul, President of the Union of Arab Chambers, Senator Khalil Al-Haj Tawfiq, President of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Khaled Hanafi, Secretary-General of the Federation of Arab Chambers, participated in the dialogue meeting held in the French capital, Paris, with the Chairman of the Foreign Relations and National Security Committee in the French Parliament. This was attended by a wide range of Arab and French businessmen, in addition to a prominent presence from the Council of Arab Ambassadors accredited to the French capital, Paris, as well as members of the Board of Directors of the Arab-French Chamber. During the meeting, the historical relations between France and the Arab world were reviewed, as well as ways to develop them into a strategic partnership in the coming period, given the current global circumstances. The meeting also touched on the activities and events the Chamber will organize this year, which will enhance cooperation between Arab countries and the French Republic in the fields of trade and investment. His Excellency Senator Khalil Al-Haj Tawfiq praised the growing trade relations between Arab countries and France, noting that the Jordan Chamber of Commerce is working with the Arab chambers that are members of the Arab-French Chamber of Commerce to unify positions on various economic and trade issues, leading to the promotion of Arab exports to the French Republic. He pointed out that the Arab-French Chamber of Commerce aims to develop and strengthen trade relations and cooperation between economic and commercial decision-makers in France and the Arab countries. His Excellency highlighted the close cooperation ties between Jordan and France, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation between Jordanian businessmen and their French counterparts, which would contribute to increasing trade exchange between the two countries, making France an important trading partner for Jordan. Khalil Al-Haj Tawfiq noted that many Jordanian businessmen and investors are turning to the French market for its attractive investment climate and lucrative opportunities.
African Manager
14-03-2025
- Business
- African Manager
UTICA/CBF: It is imperative to develop electronic payment system
The urgent need to develop and democratize the electronic payment system was the focus of a recent working session between Samir Majoul, President of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA), and Néji Ghandri, President of the Banking and Financial Council (CBF). During the meeting held at the UTICA headquarters, attended by members of the executive bureau of the employers' organization and representatives of the CBF, emphasis was placed on the necessity of offering citizens affordable banking cards that provide ease of payment. Discussing the 'TuniChèque' platform, participants deemed it essential to resolve issues hindering the platform's smooth operation and to organize informational sessions on its use. In this context, the presidents of UTICA and CBF highlighted the importance of the success of this new platform, calling for a reduction in cash usage, which only fuels the informal economy. On another note, the two parties discussed ways to restructure companies classified by banks, in light of the results of the legal revaluation of their real estate and movable assets. This aims to facilitate their access to financing and enable them to fully play their economic and social roles. Additionally, they stressed the imperative of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in overcoming obstacles to their sustainability, bolstering the export sector, diversifying national revenue sources, and improving the trade balance as well as the balance of payments.
