United States-Kurdistan Business Council Meets in Washington with Senior Kurdistan Regional Government Delegation

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States-Kurdistan Business Council (USKBC) board members received a private briefing from senior Iraqi Kurdish officials about economic development in the Kurdistan Region and the political situation in Iraq. 

The briefing, chaired by USKBC CEO, General James Jones (USMC-Ret), was with Dr. Fuad Hussein, Chief of Staff to Kurdistan Region of Iraq president Masoud Barzani and Minister Falah Bakir, the Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations (DFR). 

The Kurdish officials thanked USKBC members for their business interest and investment in the Kurdistan Region and the leadership role they have taken in the U.S. business community in operating in the Region.  The officials also emphasized that American investment in the Kurdistan Region is good for both the U.S. national interest and all of Iraq. 

"Kurdistan has embraced American business, and I believe the U.S. should promote investment and engagement with Erbil," Rex Wempen, a Principal at Excalibur Ventures and USKBC founding member, said. Wempen added, "USKBC founders, including Excalibur, are pleased to have assisted in the Kurdistan Region's development, and we look forward to continue supporting the region, along with others in Washington such as the Kurdish American Congressional Caucus that understand the importance of strong American-Kurdish relations."

The Kurdish officials reiterated that the Kurdistan Region is a growing and important region of Iraq that offers a business friendly environment and a stable security situation. 

"The KRG believes that U.S. investment in Kurdistan will continue to strengthen the bonds between Americans, Kurds, and Iraqis.  We strongly encourage the U.S. government to support American business in our region and make that commitment known to the U.S. business community," said Minister Bakir.   

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