TAYP members gather in Washington DC

On Saturday June 15th, TAYP hosted a half-day event for its members, who traveled from New York, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Memphis and other regions, to join the meeting in Washington DC.

The event included a morning session with the Tunisian Minister of Commerce, Mr. Omar Behi, who chaired Tunisia’s delegation for the second session of the United States-Tunisia Joint Economic Commission, and the Ambassador of Tunisia in the United States, Mr. Fayçal Gouiaa. Members had the opportunity to exchange with the guests on the government’s efforts in promoting the economic partnership between the United States and Tunisia and explored areas for greater bilateral trade and investment opportunities.

Mr. Omar Behi and Mr. Fayçal Gouiaa recognized TAYP’s unique contribution, as the only organized professional network of the Tunisian diaspora in the United States, in promoting the image of Tunisia in the United States and strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two countries.

The meeting also gave members the chance to reflect on the organization’s recent activities and achievements, including updates on the DRIVE Project and news from TAYP’s Chapters in New York and Tunisia. Chairman of the Board Mr. Mohamed Malouche also briefed members on the recent election of TAYP’s new President and welcomed President-elect, Ms. Meriem Trabelsi.

Ms. Meriem Trabelsi expressed her gratitude to the Board for her election and presented her vision and priorities for TAYP in the next three years. These include:

● The creation of Chapters in the different regions of the United States to enable a grassroots growth of TAYP’s network and targeted local initiatives, such as participation in local international fairs and other cultural events to promote Tunisia;
● Following TAYP’s successful first Retreat she led as the New York Chapter President in 2018, launching the organization of an annual Retreat hosted by a different Chapter/in a different region every year to consolidate the network and further involve members in the organization’s development;
● Establishing an annual Diaspora Award for outstanding members of the diaspora contributing to TAYP’s mission to be awarded at each Retreat; and
● Further promotion of Tunisian interests in the United States through leading and supporting initiatives aimed at expanding and strengthening the cultural and economic ties between the two countries.