Breakfast with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joseph Pennington

The Arab-American Business & Professional Association hosted a breakfast forum with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joseph Pennington, at the Hilton Chicago on September 15, 2017.

Issues regarding the focus and impact on ISIS in the region and resolution, as well as the Kurdish referendum, were discussed.

Interactive conversation regarding the restructure and economical stability of the region and business interests were tied into the discussion and Q & A session.

ABPA and our guests were informed that the borders are being opened and flights are beginning to resume to and from Iraq.

An Officer with the State Departments Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, recognized and appreciated that ABPA was “ahead of them” with a recent business initiative that was recently formalized. He offered a connection to the Office of Commercial and Business Affairs to strengthen business relations, promote a vibrant ecosystem in the region, and extend invitation to meet with ABPA trade delegations in the future.

We welcome our members to contact our board regarding interest in trade and investment, business delegations, and for introduction to various Chambers of Commerce here and in the Arab World.