Creating Greater Economic Wealth through the Handicraft Value Chain in Tunisia

The program aims to create employment opportunities by supporting an increase in Tunisian handicraft exports. The project must provide technical expertise to Tunisian artisans to enable them to fine tune their products to meet the international standards. Applicants should partner with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Commerce, and the National Office of Handicraft to facilitate the participation of artisans in international markets and to increase the export of their products. Special focus should be given to women artisans from underserved areas, including rural areas and the interior regions of Tunisia. This NOFO is aligned with the U.S. 2017 Assistance Priorities for Tunisia as well as the 2015-2017 Integrated Country Strategy goal of spurring sustainable economic growth through increasing private investment and bilateral trade. In order to support the democratic consolidation in Tunisia, the United States government has designed a number of successful programs spurring sustainable economic growth, championing good governance, and countering terrorism and violent extremism in the country. The recipient shall coordinate with other USG partners in the economic growth sector. A list of the projects will be provided before the start of the program. Tunisia remains heavily dependent on the international community for continued financial and technical assistance. The World Bank, the African Development Bank and the European Union (EU) all support sectorial approaches to reform. The recipient is expected to coordinate with the international donor community in supporting Tunisia in the handicraft sector.