Deputy Speaker gives speech to US Chamber of Commerce: US companies can partner with us to diversify Kurdistan’s economy

Kurdistan Parliament Deputy Speaker Hemin Hawrami today in a speech to a delegation from the US Chamber of Commerce said that American companies can participate in diversifying Kurdistan Region’s economy.

Addressing the US Chamber of Commerce delegation and other guests, Deputy Speaker Hawrami said, “The crisis was an opportunity to re-evaluate and learn from our shortcomings…you as leading companies can be our partners, you can help us to diversify our economy and boost efficiency.”

Mr. Hawrami pointed to the beginnings of a return to agriculture. He said, “For the first time in decades, between 2014 and 2016 our wheat production doubled because people in urban areas moved to rural areas to work in agriculture. They made an opportunity out of the economic crisis.”

The Deputy Speaker said that the Kurdistan Parliament’s priority is to work with the government on much-needed reforms in many areas, to streamline government finance and administration and to cut red tape.

He described the Kurdistan Region’s special relationship with America and thanked the US and international coalition for their support to the brave Peshmerga and security forces in the war against ISIS. Even at the height of the war against ISIS, there were very few security incidents in Kurdistan Region and life continued as usual.

He said, “We welcome your companies to come and do business here, and use Kurdistan as a safe and secure base for all of your business in Iraq.”

Mr. Hawrami addressed the US Chamber representatives, American companies and officials from the US Consulate General, as the guest of honour at a seminar at the Divan Hotel.  

The US Chamber of Commerce, which is the largest business organisation in the world with more than 3 million members. The delegation of chamber representatives and companies was headed by Mr. Steve Lutes, Vice President for Middle East Affairs. The delegation's visit was organised by the KRG US Representation.  

Click here to read Deputy Speaker Hawrami's speech in full