U.S. Chamber Inaugurates AmCham Qatar

'This AmCham Represents Another Concrete Example of Positive U.S. Engagement With the Muslim World,' Chavern Says.

DOHA, QATAR—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer David Chavern inaugurated the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar (AmCham Qatar) today in a signing ceremony with Qatar's Minister of Justice Al Ghanim. AmCham Qatar will seek to advance American commercial interests in the country, as well as the interests of international and local companies working in the region.

"The U.S. Chamber and AmCham Qatar are dedicated to promoting and strengthening the relationship with both the business community and the government of Qatar," said Chavern. "This AmCham represents another concrete example of positive U.S. engagement with the Muslim world."

The U.S. Ambassador to Qatar Joseph LeBaron and the AmCham Executive Committee witnessed the signing ceremony. The AmCham Executive Committee members in attendance included Robert Hager, Chairman, Patton Boggs; Farhan Mahmood, Vice Chairman, Citibank; and Carl Atallah, Secretary and Treasurer, Chevron.

The following AmCham founding members also attended the Qatar ceremony:

• AECOM
• Bechtel International
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Chevron Qatar Ltd
• Citibank
• DLA Piper
• DynCorp International
• Fluor Corporation
• KBR
• Libra Trading Company
• Marriott International
• Marsh Industries
• Parsons International
• Patton Boggs LLP

The United States is Qatar's largest export market and is the country's single largest investor, with more than $7 billion in financing in 2007. Bilateral trade increased by more than 340% from 2003 to 2008, totaling more than $3.2 billion per year. During this same period, U.S. exports to Qatar grew by more than 580%.

"The rate of growth of the Qatari market for U.S. exports surpasses other markets in the Middle East region," said Chavern. "American business interests are expanding here and AmCham Qatar will provide a platform for their interests to be voiced."

The launch was scheduled on the margins of the U.S.-Islamic World Forum, where Chavern is scheduled to speak.

AmCham Qatar is a non-profit, non-governmental and non-political organization dedicated to fostering mutual cooperation between the United States and the State of Qatar through trade, commerce, and investment. There are currently, 113 AmChams in 100 countries accredited by the U.S. Chamber.

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.

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