New U.S.-Kurdistan Business Council Launches at Event Featuring Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S.-Kurdistan Business Council (USKBC), a new organization made up of U.S. companies investing in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, will be launched at an event welcoming the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Masoud Barzani during his official visit to the United States.

"The USKBC will be the principal organization focused on promoting business and investment in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and helping U.S. companies succeed in Kurdistan," Alex Lari, principal of the Claremont Group, an investment firm and founding member of the USKBC, said.

"The Kurdistan Region presents many business opportunities and President Barzani's support of the USKBC's mission will only enhance the council's success and the growth of U.S. investment in the Kurdistan Region," added Paula Freer, director of International Government Affairs for Marathon and also a founding member of the USKBC.

In addition to keynoting the launch event for the USKBC, President Barzani will also be meeting with the founding members of the USKBC.  President Barzani is in Washington at the invitation of the White House.

"We are delighted that there is now an official trade association in Washington that will help facilitate investment that benefits U.S. business as well as this thriving region in Iraq," David Tafuri, a U.S. lawyer and advisor to the USKBC, said. "The USKBC will provide advocacy and support to U.S. companies committed to investing in one of the region's most promising emerging markets."

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. For more information on business opportunities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, please visit USKBC.org.

SOURCE United States-Kurdistan Business Council