WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today hosted His Excellency Dr. Haider Al-Abadi, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for a dinner discussion with U.S. business executives. U.S. Chamber executive vice president and head of International Affairs Myron Brilliant welcomed Prime Minister Al-Abadi and Secretary Ross and called for reforms to stimulate the bilateral economic relationship.
“While a stable Iraq benefits our national security, it also provides greater opportunities for American companies to do business. By making strategic structural reforms that promote transparency, the rule of law, and market access, Iraq can improve its business climate and trigger more interest from U.S. businesses,” said Brilliant. “The Chamber stands ready to support economic reforms in Iraq. Pursuing a competitive reform agenda will nurture the development of a strong private sector and encourage economic growth in the U.S., Iraq, and throughout the Middle East.”
“I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship between Iraq and the United States as we renew our commitment to each other and to peace and stability,” said Secretary Ross. “The Chamber’s U.S.-Iraq Business Initiative is an important vehicle for these efforts to create long-term, sustainable, solutions rooted in economic growth, political reform, and national security.”
The Chamber’s 2017 American Growth Agenda highlights international trade and investment among the policy priorities key to revitalizing the American economy.
The U.S.-Iraq Business Initiative is the only platform in the United States exclusively focused on deepening and growing the bilateral economic relationship. It serves as a vehicle for dialogue and engagement between American and Iraqi business and government decision makers. It is composed of a group of major American businesses, both large and small, representing a range of sectors.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. Its International Affairs division includes more than 70 regional and policy experts and 25 country- and region-specific business councils and initiatives. The U.S. Chamber also works closely with 117 American Chambers of Commerce abroad.
