[wanabidii] Press Releases: U.S.-Iraq Business Week Strengthens Economic Ties

You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Press Releases: U.S.-Iraq Business Week Strengthens Economic Ties 03/07/2014 03:46 PM EST U.S.-Iraq Business Week Strengthens Economic Ties Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC March 7, 2014 The United States hosted a top level Iraqi interagency delegation to participate in the March 3-7 Iraq Business Week activities in Washington D.C. Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Rowsch Shaways led a 30+ member public and private sector delegation to network with scores of major U.S. firms and explore expanding business opportunities in Iraq, now the United States' 27th largest goods trading partner. The delegation – which included Iraq’s Minister of Trade and the Chairman of Iraq’s National Investment Commission – addressed trade and investment challenges in Iraq, and discussed external financing options and their potential to assist in Iraq’s development. The trip culminated with a Ministry of Trade delegation visit to Houston, TX to explore establishing a trade facilitation office, and travel by the Deputy Prime Minister to New York City where he met with a number of additional U.S. firms. The Iraq Business Week activities included: High-level meetings at the White House, at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and at the Departments of State, Commerce, Defense, Interior, and Treasury on political and economic issues including security, revenue sharing, and budget concerns. USTR-hosted a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Council meeting on business development and trade diversification and ways for Iraq to advance its WTO accession process. USTR press release: http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2014/March/US-and-Iraq-hold-inaugural-Trade-and-Investment-Framework-Agreement-Meeting. U.S.-Iraqi Business Dialogue, co-chaired by the Department of Commerce and the Iraqi Ministry of Trade and comprising Iraqi and U.S. businesses. World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Export-Import Bank, and Overseas Private Investment Corporation meetings to discuss development financing options. Commercial Law Development Program discussion on fostering capacity development. Department of Commerce presentation on sourcing trade and economic statistics. U.S.-Business Council in Iraq hosted dinner for the delegation and U.S. firms. U.S. Chamber of Commerce-hosted “Business Opportunities Forum” – canceled due to inclement weather, but reconstituted in part through direct engagement with 25-30 U.S. firms at an Iraqi Embassy hosted dinner. United States Institute of Peace roundtable discussion. Congressional meetings on Capitol Hill. Business Council for International Understanding breakfast with U.S. firms in New York. High-level meetings with the Mayor’s office in Houston and the Bilateral U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce to explore establishment of a trade facilitation office. For further information, please contact nea-press@state.gov or Michael Lavallee at LavalleeMP@state.gov. The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. Stay connected with the State Department:   External links found in this content or on Department of State websites that go to other non-Department websites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.  Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of State. This email was sent to wanabidii@googlegroups.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Department of State · 2201 C Street NW · Washington, DC 20520

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