Organized by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) representation in Washington DC and the US Chamber of Commerce’s US-Iraq Business Council, the online forum was entitled, Post-COVID-19 Economic Priorities in the Kurdistan Region.
“The US-Kurdistan relationship goes far beyond security and defense. For many years now, mutually beneficial partnerships have continued to emerge and transform this relationship. Many US major brands have found a profitable market in our region, creating thousands of jobs, teaching vital skills and in doing so improving lives,” he said.
Rudaw Media Network was the media sponsor of the two-hour virtual conference.
US-Kurdistan Region’s military relations notably begin in 2003 when the Peshmerga forces helped the US troops wrestles areas including Kirkuk and Nineveh from the Baath regime during the US invasion of Iraq. They later fought together against the Islamic State (ISIS) group beginning in 2014.
Barzani said that his government is “indebted” to the sacrifices the US has made “for keeping us safe and free.”
“Their sacrifice is what has helped Kurdistan today remain as one of the most stable, safe and prosperous regions in Iraq and even the Middle East and beyond.”
However, he said that this does not mean the two governments’ relations are limited to military affairs, but are also notable for their economic and financial partnerships.
“During this cabinet, more than 70 licenses have been awarded with an investment value of almost 2 billion dollars,” said Barzani who was sworn in as PM in July 2019.
The KRG “supports high quality foreign investment in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, particularly from the United States,” remarked the PM.
Robert Waller, Consul-General of the US in Erbil, also attended the conference. He said that he and his team at the consulate are ready to support US companies with their investment in the Kurdistan Region.
“To our private sector colleague: I want you to know that our entire consulate team is here to support your efforts. Promoting stronger business ties between the United States and the Kurdistan Region is right at the top of our policy agenda, and there is nothing that we enjoy more than assisting and advocating for US businesses.”
