The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council and the U.S.-Qatar Business Council, hosted a 2016 SelectUSA Welcome Reception in honor of high-level business delegations from the U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain in Washington D.C.
Steve Lutes, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director for Middle East Affairs, kicked off the reception by discussing the strong bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Gulf states.
“We are delighted to welcome the delegations from Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E., Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Turkey and very much appreciate their interest in opportunities offered throughout the United States,” said Lutes. “For each of the bilateral relationships, we know that the economic bond enjoyed between the U.S. and each country is a key pillar in the relationship and brings us closer together. And while we often focus on increasing exports and raising awareness about opportunities for investments abroad, we understand the relationship is a highway that runs in both directions. America remains a great place to invest and do business so we truly value and encourage investments made from the Middle East in the United States. Those investments are creating American jobs, generating economic activity and ultimately strengthening our overall strategic relationship.”Following Lutes’ warm welcome, the Honorable Patrick Theros, former U.S. Ambassador to Qatar and President of the U.S.-Qatar Business Council, took the stage to highlight the burgeoning relationship between the U.S. and Qatar. Ambassador Theros also emphasized the importance of Foreign Direct Investment in deepening U.S.-GCC relations.
“The U.S.-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) is proud to have partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council for the SelectUSA Welcome Reception,” said Ambassador Theros. “USQBC believes that the strongest growth in the bilateral commercial relationship is in Foreign Direct Investment, and we are pleased that Qatar has decided to increase their investments in the United States over the next several years. Events such as this provide the platform, dialogue, and network necessary to support the healthy bilateral relationships that allow economies to grow and thrive.”President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, Danny Sebright subsequently underscored key points made by U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker, and President Barack Obama during the 2016 SelectUSA Investment Summit. “The U.S. has grown 14.4% since the Obama administration took office and 25% of global research and development happens right here in the United States.”
Guest speakers also included Kurt Tong, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs at the Department of State, and Michael Lally, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Department of Commerce. Lutes concluded the reception by thanking the speakers and honored guests for their participation.Additional information about the 2016 SelectUSA Investment Summit, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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The Summit is the highest-profile event that promotes foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States. It provides an unparalleled opportunity to bring together companies from all over the world, economic development organizations from every corner of the nation, others working to facilitate investment in the United States, and high-level government officials. Participants can find the practical tools, information and connections they need to move investments forward.
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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions. Our members range from mom-and-pop shops and local chambers to leading industry associations and large corporations. They all share one thing—they count on the Chamber to be their voice in Washington, D.C.
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The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council is the premier business organization dedicated to advancing bilateral commercial relations. By leveraging its extensive networks in the U.S. and in the region, the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council provides unparalleled access to senior decision makers in business and government with the aim of deepening bilateral trade and investment.
