Chamber Recognizes American Chamber of Commerce in Iraq

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce today welcomed the formation of the American Chamber of Commerce in Iraq – AmCham Iraq – and recognized it as the 98th overseas member of the U.S. Chamber federation.

"Establishment of an American Chamber in Iraq is a critically important step not only for the promotion of U.S. business interests in Iraq, but the much larger mission of rebuilding that country over the long-term," said Dan Christman, Chamber senior vice president for international affairs. "By encouraging increased trade and investment between the United States and Iraq, AmCham Iraq will help build the vital foundation for the establishment of free enterprise and democracy in the country."

AmChams are voluntary associations of American companies and individuals doing business in a particular country, as well as firms and individuals of that country who operate in the United States. They pursue trade policy initiatives, provide publications and services, and sponsor a variety of business development programs.

In addition to joining the Chamber federation, AmCham Iraq is also joining the American Business Council of the Gulf Countries (ABCGC), the umbrella organization of AmChams in the Persian Gulf region.

"No one denies there are problems to be solved in the new Iraq," said Leigh Gribble, ABCGC vice chairman and a member of AmCham Iraq's Executive Committee. "But unless you're on the ground in Iraq yourself, you never see the newly painted shop fronts, or the family brick-making enterprise that supplies the neighborhood with building materials for new homes, that are the real signs of hope and progress."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

# # #

04-63