In the spirit of cooperation that has characterized JEC meetings, the United States government (USG) stands ready to aid Tunisian exporters to increase their exports to the U.S. market. This assistance will be led primarily, although not exclusively, by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Other USG entities including the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Department of State, will also play key supporting roles.

USAID’s Tunisia JOBS project will be the primary instrument for delivering this assistance, supported by other USAID and USG programs. In line with this report’s findings, the aim of U.S. government assistance is to help the Government of Tunisia and private exporting companies create a roadmap for the U.S. market in five related areas

Roadmap

Gaining a Better Understanding of the Market

Tunisia JOBS, in its first year, entered into partnerships with various public and private institutions to convey this knowledge. Export-related events was organized by AmCham and Chambers of Commerce (including Sfax, Beja,and Gafsa), as well as CEPEX.

Establishing Standards

USAID, through Tunisia JOBS and other projects, will provide support to potential exporters on two parallel tracks.Enhancing knowledge of standards for “Near Export Ready” companies. This will consist of seminars in Tunis and in other regions focused on these standards, including the investment required to put them in place.
Helping to certify companies in order to enter the U.S. market.Tunisia JOBS will select approximately 30 near-export-ready companies per year on a cost shared basis to help them prepare for certification by an independent third party in FDA, FSMA, USDA, and BRC certifications.

Ensuring Company Capabilities to Export to a Highly Competitive Market

Parallel to supporting and assisting companies in achieving acceptable food sanitation certificates, producers need to be trained in the following areas:
• Market distribution system
• Food
• Seafood
• Export sales transaction
• Export pricing
• Export packaging and shipments
• Development of company export expansion plan
¤ U.S. Distribution system
¤ Supporting the market
– Slotting fees
– Brokerage fees
– Marketing campaigns
• Export plan development
Tunisia JOBS will provide direct technical assistance to participating companies through both Tunisian and international expertise.

Establishing strong market linkages

Market linkages involves two critical areas. Foremost is helping exporters identify specific buyers/importers as well as to work with the correct broker.
Identifying buyers: Tunisia JOBS will help selected companies in this area through providing U.S. importers with information about Tunisian companies and their products; establishing initial contacts; highly targeted trade show participation; and buyer and seller missions.

Addressing Policy and Other Constraints

Through its access to finance component, Tunisia JOBS will work with Tunisian financial institutions to develop financing products for Tunisian exporters, especially for olive oil.
Similarly, the project will engage the Tunisian government and the private sector to address the export certification constraint