Chamber Launches U.S.-Bahrain Economic Initiative

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The United States Chamber of Commerce today announced the formation of the U.S.-Bahrain Business Council, an affiliate that will provide a bi-national forum to stimulate business relations between the two countries and build on the U.S.-Bahrain economic relationship.

"This is an exciting time for the expansion of trade and investment relationships between U.S. and Bahraini entrepreneurs," said Daeman Harris, Chamber director for Middle East and Africa Affairs and interim executive director of the new group. "This Council will serve as a vehicle to advance the interests of those seeking to do business in this important region and navigate the impediments to success."

The launch was announced during a luncheon at Chamber headquarters hosted by Lt. General Daniel W. Christman (ret.), the Chamber's senior vice president for International Affairs. Among the attendees were Ambassador Naser Al Belooshi, the Bahraini Ambassador to the United States; Sheikh Mohammad bin Issa Al Khalifa, CEO of Bahrain Economic Development Board; and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Dr. David A. Sampson.

The U.S. and Bahrain codified a free trade agreement last year, and will begin implementing it this month.

Headquartered within the Chamber's International Division, the Council will seek to advance the commercial interests of its member companies doing business in Bahrain.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation, representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

www.uschamber.com

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