Volume 1. Issue 1. MAY 2019

NEWS & VIEWS Building economic bridges between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq The American Chamber of Commerce in Iraq (AmCham Iraq) is dedicated to serving U.S. companies interested in doing business in Iraq, Iraqi companies engaged in commercial activities with the United States, and multinational companies interested in the Iraqi market. We effectively support our members’ interests by facilitating business connections, exchanging business information and insights, and advocating on issues impacting our members. Our chamber is a vibrant platform for the promotion of trade, investment, knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities between businesses who are interested in the Iraqi market.

AMCHAM IRAQ BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AMCHAM IRAQ APPOINTS ITS FIRST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Board of Directors of the American Chamber of Commerce in Iraq announced the appointment of Muhannad F. Haimour as its first executive director effective April 1, 2019. Christian Ronnow, president of the board of AmCham Iraq, said that this appointment represents the Chamber’s strong commitment to develop into a dynamic organization that promotes trade and economic ties between the United States and Iraq. “We are excited to work with Muhannad in the coming years. His outstanding leadership skills; valuable expertise in Iraq and abroad; and extensive business network will be instrumental in advancing AmCham’s mission and vision,” added Ronnow. In this role, Haimour will work closely with AmCham’s board of directors to foster commercial and investment partnerships between American and Iraqi companies. He will be responsible for AmCham’s programs and the execution of its mission and strategies to further AmCham members' business interests in Iraq, the U.S., and internationally. Muhannad Haimour was formerly the executive director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce in Michigan, United States. He is a performance-driven executive with over two decades of experience in management consulting, business development, trade and investment, and entrepreneurship capacity in the U.S. and the MENA region with a particular focus on the Iraqi market.

UPCOMING EVENTS View our Calendar Members-Only Monthly Call Featuring H.E. Dr. Nouri Al-Dulaimi. More Details BECOME A MEMBER AmCham Iraq effectively supports our members’ interests by facilitating business connections, exchanging business information and insights, and advocating on issues impacting our members.   As a chamber member, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of the many benefits of an AmCham Iraq membership including Iraqi market insights, monthly membership calls, quarterly meetings, and series of special events bringing you together with Iraqi government and business leaders, our diplomatic mission and other stakeholders focused on doing business in Iraq. Become a member

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR AMCHAM IRAQ BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The American Chamber of Commerce in Iraq seeks a strong slate of candidates to fill three seats on the Board of Directors.  If you are interested in being considered for candidacy, please note that eligible candidates are: American AmCham Iraq corporate member representatives  American AmCahm Iraq individual members Willing to serve on one or more AmCham Iraq Committees AmCham Iraq aims to elect board of directors who can spend substantial amount of time in Iraq. We also seek to avoid over-representation on the Board by any single industry, profession or corporation. If you would like to submit your nomination, please email the nomination to AmCham Iraq President, Mr. Christian Ronnow by submitting the following:     1. A signed nomination form that can be provided upon request. 2. A personal statement and a professional biography. Deadline to submit nomination is May 10, 2019.

REGULATORY NEWS FROM IRAQ

BHC Law, the leading Law Firm in Baghdad is pleased to provide AmCham Iraq's members as well as its friends and partners with the following news. The Government of Iraq has amended certain elements of the requirements/laws regarding a number of different issues such as taxation, regulations for certain professions as well as advice and instructions for companies which are currently not (yet) in compliance with certain laws/regulations. Find out about the new requirements/laws here.

HIGHLIGHTS

ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING HELD

AmCham Iraq Annual General Membership Meeting hosted at the General Electric Headquarters in Dubai on Thursday, March 21st, 2019.

DOING BUSINESS WITH U.S. COMPANIES AND BEST PRACTICES

AmCham Iraq and the  U.S. Embassy in Baghdad  in partnership with the Station held an informative and interactive session on ‘Doing Business with US Companies and Best Practices’. Panel speakers included Mr. Neil Gibson, Acting Economic Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad; Mr. Damian Stafford, Trade & Investment Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad; Mr. Mazin Al-EshaiKer, CEO of ICM; Mr. Manar Al-Obaidy, Commercial Director-Iraq at BCI Group; and Mr. Muhannad Haimour, Executive Director of AmCham Iraq. This session offered advice and insights to Iraqi companies interested in doing business with U.S. companies and explained the due diligence process U.S. Companies follow when choosing their subcontractors. The second session included a presentation on employability skills needed for job seekers interested in jobs with U.S. and foreign companies in Iraq.

APRIL MEMBER-ONLY CALL FEATURED MR. LAITH AL-SHAHER, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE LEGAL DIRECTORATE OF IRAQ MINISTRY OF OIL

MEETING HELD WITH BAGHDAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AmCham Iraq Executive Director, Mr. Muhannad Haimour, had the great  honor to visit Baghdad Chamber of Commerce, one of the oldest chambers in the region founded in 1926. Mr. Haimour met with the Chairman of Baghdad Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Jaafer Al Hamadany, and senior officials to discuss future collaboration between the two chambers to promote bilateral business relations between the US and Iraq and to support US companies interested in doing business in Iraq. Further meetings will be held to plan several initiatives to develop opportunities and a range of services for the chambers’ respective members.

MEETING HELD WITH IRAQ PRIVATE BANKS LEAGUE

AmCham Iraq Executive Director, Mr. Muhannad Haimour, met with the Executive Director of Iraq Private Banks League, Mr. Ali Mostaf. The meeting centered around the coordination of activities for actively developing and maintaining cooperative relations with the private banking sector to achieve AmCham Iraq objectives of promoting Iraq's business environment and facilitating members’ business relations with the local and global financial institutions.

MEETING WITH ZAIN IRAQ

A m eeting was held with  Zain Iraq to learn about their latest innovative products.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Members-Only Monthly Call Featuring H.E. Dr. Nouri Al-Dulaimi

OUT AND ABOUT

AmCham Iraq participates in various events to build the Chamber brand and connect with community members at large.

Launch of U.S. Embassy in Baghdad funded  #SWADI , a training program for small business development and entrepreneurship. Opening of the German Liaison Office for Industry and Commerce in Iraq.

Reception hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Iraq to Celebrate the King’s Day Reception hosed by the British Embassy in Baghdad to Celebrate the Birthday of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

American Chamber of Commerce in Iraq www.amchamiraq.wildapricot.org

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