Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui, Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States, has been named the National U.S. – Arab Chamber of Commerce’s (NUSACC) Ambassador of the Year 2023. Recognized for outstanding contributions to U.S.-Arab commercial relations, the annual award ceremony is set for December 11, according to a press release on Tuesday by the NUSACC.
Lalla Joumala Alaoui, appointed in 2016 by King Mohammed VI, has been pivotal in strengthening Morocco – U.S. ties across political, economic, educational, cultural, and charitable spheres. Her prior role as Ambassador to the U.K. from 2009 to 2016 showcased her success in diversifying and strengthening Morocco’s relations with its allies.
David Hamod, NUSACC’s President & CEO, praised her down-to-earth approach and commitment to international sociopolitical dynamics, thereby enhancing Morocco’s image in the U.S. Her Highness expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the importance of economic partnerships and the support of organizations such as NUSACC.
For her part, the renowned ambassador stated, “It is an honor to be recognized by the National U.S.- Arab Chamber of Commerce as “Ambassador of the Year” for 2023. Morocco and the United States enjoy a longstanding friendship of over 240 years.”
She added, “Strengthening our economic relationship is a priority that could not be achieved without the support of Moroccan and U.S. business associations – like NUSACC – which have been very helpful in paving the way toward that goal.”
Lalla Joumala is a humanitarian who heads the Lalla Hasnaa Orphanage in Casablanca, which houses 200 abandoned children and provides education and foster care. She has been involved in international relations and philanthropic outreach on a global scale for decades, beginning in 2001 when she headed Morocco’s delegation to the United Nations Special Session on HIV/AIDS in New York.
Beyond diplomacy, Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui’s diverse career includes a focus on inter-faith dialogue, music, arts, literature, and charitable activities.
Fluent in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish, she holds a degree from SOAS in London and has served in executive positions, including one at Morocco’s central bank.
The NUSACC, now in its 50th year, is America’s oldest organization dedicated to US-Arab commerce. It is the primary site for Arab commercial businesses and the voice of American trade in 22 Arab countries. NUSACC is the only entity in the United States to have received the “E” Award for Export Service, the highest honor for promoting export activities. NUSACC is formally recognized and authorized by the League of Arab States and the Union of Arab Chambers, and is funded by its 50,000 members.
According to the same source, Morocco, the only African nation having signed a Free Trade Agreement with the United States, has seen a 343.7 % growth in U.S. products shipments to Morocco since 2006, as that agreement has essentially cemented the two countries’ commercial ties. Morocco has also emerged as one of the “Top Five” destinations for U.S. exports to the Arab world.