U.S. Chamber Travels to Iraq to Promote Trade and Investment Partnerships

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Iraq Business Initiative kicks off its one week mission to Iraq this weekend to discuss ongoing and future rebuilding efforts throughout the country. The mission, scheduled to visit Baghdad and Basra, will consist of a series of meetings with Iraqi government officials and potential private sector partners, including business groups and companies from both countries.

“The Iraqi government and the Iraqi people have made real measurable progress towards political stability and security,” said Leslie Schweitzer, senior trade advisor for the U.S. Chamber and leader of the Iraq mission. “It is critical to build on this momentum. The American business community stands ready to assist our Iraqi partners in their efforts to rebuild their communities, industries, and infrastructure.”

According to Iraq’s National Investment Commission, there are already 750 reconstruction and development projects in an array of sectors valued at up to $600 billion. These sectors include oil and gas; construction (including engineering, architecture, transportation, and infrastructure); and information and communications technology.

“As one of the least invested countries in Iraq, it is time for U.S. businesses to increase their presence,” said Schweitzer. “The potential investment and export opportunities are enormous and the Chamber will continue to be the leading voice for U.S. business involvement.”

The two-city mission involves meetings with a number of high-level Iraqi government leaders, including the governor of Basrah, the senior advisor for the Iraqi Ministry of Trade, and deputy director generals from the Foreign Economic Relations Department, Private Sector Development Department, Iraq Grain Board, State Company for Construction Materials, and State Company for Food Stuffs. The tour is a prelude to a series of Iraq related events that the Chamber will have this fall. In September, it will host a major investment forum highlighting financing opportunities for U.S. companies in Iraq. In early November, the Chamber will lead a major trade mission to Iraq.

The U.S. Chamber’s Iraq Business Initiative (IBI) is focused on helping the U.S. business community compete in the global marketplace. The IBI is made up of a group of very distinguished American businesses, both large and small. Its mission includes increasing members’ access to Iraqi markets, helping expand investment opportunities, and promoting dialogue and access to decision makers in the United States, the Government of Iraq (GOI), and local Iraqi decision makers. It also encompasses effective advocacy and business development programs throughout Iraq and the United States.

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.

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