U.S.-Kurdistan Business Council Meets With Senior Delegation

[Aslan]

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The United States-Kurdistan Business Council (USKBC) met with a ministerial-level delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government.

The delegation visiting the U.S. capital includes Dr. Fuad Hussein, Kurdistan Region President Barzani's Chief of Staff; Dr. Ashti Hawrami, the Minister of Natural Resources; Minister Falah Bakir, the head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, and Minister Qubad Talabani who heads the KRG Department of Coordination and Follow-Up.

Dr. Hussein briefed the USKBC companies about a range of timely political and economic issues that have implications in Iraq and the broader region. He outlined how the Kurdistan Region is a conducive, investment-friendly emerging market for American corporations in the heart of the Middle East and an excellent commercial platform for companies from which to do business in other parts of Iraq. Dr. Fuad answered questions about the Kurdistan market including on issues pertaining to the oil and gas sector.

"We are excited to be in Washington this week," said Minister Bakir, "we are here to discuss with our American friends very serious political challenges in Iraq." He added, "While we feel that the Kurdistan Region is moving in the correct direction, there is real disagreement with the Federal government about the vision for Iraq."

During the meeting, USKBC board members expressed their support for the KRG and its engagement of the U.S. government. For its part, the delegation thanked the USKBC and its participating companies for their valuable role in Kurdistan's development.

"We in the U.S. have a strong ally in the KRG," said USKBC CEO, James L. Jones, General, USMC (Ret.). He added, "The USKBC is always looking for ways to support development in the Kurdistan Region, and one key way to do so is through continued and strengthened business relations between the United States and Kurdistan."

About the United States-Kurdistan Business Council

The USKBC is dedicated to facilitating trade and commerce for U.S. companies in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and to strengthening ties between the private sector in the U.S. and Kurdistan Region. With one of the most liberal investment laws in the Middle East and significant needs in almost every industry sector, the Kurdistan Region presents untapped business opportunities for U.S. companies. The council also works closely with the Kurdistan Regional Government and private businesses in the Kurdistan Region to ensure that foreign investment reinforces the already enormous economic opportunities there.