In partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce, AMPA is proud to announce its 3rd Edition of Moroccan American Bridges, to be held in Casablanca May 5th -7th 2008. The program and caliber of participants, speakers, and sponsors will mark yet another successful AMPA event in Morocco. AMPA membership, the largest since inception, will benefit from access to professionals from around the world with a common interest: MENA and the U.S. at crossroads.

The environment is promising. In the background of the U.S. economic slowdown, Morocco, and MENA in general, shows great potential as it continues reforms leading to a more robust development. Moroccans abroad continue to play a major role in this shift, as they are the bridge that continues to make Morocco an attractive and emerging destination.

Based on feedback from members, the business sessions will cover the following topics:

1) The Moroccan stock market and opportunities in the financial sector. Highlights of the 2008 Finance Law and the interest rate environment and how they can be of particular benefit to Moroccans abroad.

2) The economic potential of Moroccan/MENA professionals abroad and their impact on development.

3) The promotion of Moroccan and MENA products and services in the U.S.

4) Business opportunities linked to the U.S. government Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant to Morocco. A large pool of funds is potentially available to companies and professionals to conduct studies and projects. The ins and outs of the MCC grant.

Finally, the Young Moroccan Entrepreneurship Competition 3rd edition gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to turn innovative ideas into real businesses. Participants will develop business plans that are based on some of the most innovative ideas that would be feasible in Morocco. Aspiring entrepreneurs should enter plans in areas as diverse as but not limited to new technologies, tourism, computing services and software, consumer goods, and financial services. The YMEC provides a forum in which participants can develop and test their business vision and plans, develop their business ideas, and compete for cash prizes. Visit http://www.amp­usa.org/ymec08

First Prize:

•                      30,000 DH

•                      Direct Qualification to the TIC AMERICAS 2008 finals in Colombia. http://www.ticamericas.net

•                      20,000 DH and paid Hotel for the trip to TIC AMERICAS 2008 in Colombia

•                      Business coaching by « le réseau Maroc Entreprendre »

Second Prize:

•                      15,000 DH

•                      Business coaching by « le réseau Maroc Entreprendre »

Third Prize:

•                      10,000 DH

•                      Business coaching by « le réseau Maroc Entreprendre »

Participant Testimonials from our Past Events

"As a Moroccan American, and an executive at Boeing, which was a strong supporter of the Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Morocco, I can speak directly to the benefit and value the AMPA brings in fostering closer economic ties between our two countries and encouraging a spirit of entrepreneurship and partnership across our two cultures."

Ihssane Mounir (Sponsor), Boeing Commercial Airplanes

"Bravo à toute l'équipe AMPA qui a fourni un travail colossal pour obtenir, à distance, une organisation parfaite d'un évènement qui est appelé à prendre de l'ampleur. Encore bravo pour une première. Malgré les milliers de kilomètres qui nous séparent, votre cœur vous pousse et vous poussera encore à plus de solidarité avec le Maroc et les marocains. D'ailleurs, vous avez tous constaté que nos jeunes sont pleins de potentialités qui ne demandent qu'à s'exprimer moyennant un petit coup de pouce venant, pourquoi pas, de l'AMPA. Prêts pour la prochaine fois?"

Amine Achour (Jury Member), Rabat Centre Régional d'Investissement

"Je souhaite saisir cette occasion pour vous féliciter ainsi que tous les membres de l'AMPA des efforts considérables réalisés en vue de participer au développement de votre pays d'origine, le Maroc. Primer les meilleurs business plan (BP) est une action créatrice de valeur très citoyenne qui permet de donner la chance à une catégorie de jeunes promoteurs ne pouvant pas d'habitude accéder facilement aux mécanismes de financement traditionnels. Je réitère tout notre soutien à vos manifestations et nous resterons à l'écoute de vos actions."

My Ahmed CHERKAOUI (Jury Member), CDG

"One of the objectives of Al Akhawayn University is to provide channels for Moroccan brains and professionals abroad to contribute to Morocco. I believe this event had one of the highest concentrations of such professional brains, who further combine a dynamic but focused attitude most typical of the American business environment. I sincerely hope we can work together and implement a successful win-win model for sustainable joint activities in Morocco."

Dr. Amine Bensaid (Attendee), Al Akhawayn University

"La manifestation AMPA a été pour moi une occasion de toucher de près le dynamisme et le volontarisme de la diaspora du Maroc au Etats-Unis. Compétences, sens de l'écoute et efficacité sont les mots que viennent à l'esprit en pensant à cette conférence... A refaire! »

Hamza EL HAJOUI (Sponsor), CDG

"J'ai eu grand plaisir à participer à l'évènement AMPA-MAC. Ce qui est excitant c'est de pouvoir ainsi mêler au travers de notre référentiel Maroc, des horizons de cultures fortement différentes, portés par des compatriotes... La globalisation marocaine est ainsi en route. Faisons en sorte que notre pays en reste le centre."

Karim ZAZ (High Tech Speaker), WANA

AMPA Event in the Press:

\http://www.leconomiste.com/article.html?a=69451 http://www.menara.ma/infos/includes/detail.asp?article_id=10834&lmodule=economie

A Glimpse into “MOROCCAN AMERICAN BRIDGES 2006­2007”

Minister Mohand Laenser, Technopark Director Abderrafie Hanouf, Citigroup CEO Nuhad Saliba, and AMCHAM Chairman Larry Dewitt on their way to the conference room

Gomez Chief Technology Officer Imad Mouline presenting during theTelecom & Technology session

AMPA Events VP Hicham Kabbaj gives a welcome speech. Yummy food at the ONA dinner!

Event attendees pausing for souvenir pictures at the end of the event

Association of Moroccan Professionals in America

3800 Powell Lane  Suite 524 • Falls Church • VA 22041 • www.amp-usa.org  events@amp-usa.org

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