Baghdad, Iraq – The US Embassy in Baghdad announced on Monday the arrival of a trade mission consisting of 60 American companies to Iraq. The mission aims to strengthen economic relations between the United States and Iraq, with a focus on the private sector. During the visit, the American Chamber of Commerce will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce to enhance bilateral trade partnerships.
This delegation, led by Steve Lutes, President of the American Chamber of Commerce, includes representatives from around 60 American companies specializing in sectors such as energy, technology, and health. The embassy highlighted that this is the first trade mission to Iraq approved by the US Department of Commerce and the largest such mission in the Chamber’s history.
The trade mission, which runs from April 7 to 9, will include high-level meetings with Iraqi officials and discussions with Iraqi companies. Several agreements are expected to be signed, aiming to promote economic cooperation between the two countries.
In a reception honoring the delegation, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Iraq Daniel Rubinstein emphasized the mission’s primary goal: strengthening trade partnerships. He noted that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce serves as a platform for creating and implementing new ideas that shape policies influencing governments and business leaders in both nations.
Rubinstein also reflected on the Chamber’s longstanding engagement with Iraq, highlighting its consistent visits over the past decade and the hosting of Iraqi government delegations in the United States. The upcoming signing of the MoU with the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce represents a key step in solidifying private sector ties between the two countries.
This visit underscores the growing interest in deepening economic collaboration between the U.S. and Iraq, particularly in sectors crucial for Iraq’s development and modernization.
