Our Story
The Iraqi-US Business Council was founded on a simple conviction: that commerce builds the bridges diplomacy alone cannot. We exist to make that commerce possible.
What drives us
Our Mission
To facilitate trade, investment, and economic partnership between Iraq and the United States by connecting business leaders, advocating for sound policy, and providing the intelligence and introductions that make deals happen.
Our Vision
A future in which Iraq and the United States are among each other's most important economic partners — where American capital and expertise help rebuild and grow Iraq's economy, and where Iraqi resources and markets create lasting opportunity for American business.
Integrity
We operate with transparency and hold ourselves to the highest standards of professional conduct.
Partnership
We believe in mutual benefit — every relationship we build must create value on both sides.
Impact
We measure success not by activity but by outcomes: deals closed, partnerships formed, policies improved.
Inclusion
We welcome businesses of all sizes and sectors, from Fortune 500 corporations to emerging Iraqi enterprises.
How IUSBC came to be
IUSBC was established by a group of Iraqi-American business leaders and former diplomats who recognized a critical gap: despite enormous potential, Iraqi-US economic ties remained underdeveloped relative to the political relationship between the two countries.
The founders believed that a dedicated, non-partisan business council — modeled on the most effective bilateral chambers of commerce in the world — could change that. By creating a trusted platform for introductions, advocacy, and intelligence, IUSBC could unlock opportunities that neither government nor individual companies could access alone.
Since our founding, IUSBC has facilitated hundreds of business introductions, led trade delegations to Baghdad and Washington, and engaged both governments on the policy reforms needed to support a thriving bilateral commercial relationship.
The Council's leadership
IUSBC is guided by a board of distinguished Iraqi and American business leaders, former officials, and policy experts.
Ambassador James R. Whitfield
Chairman
Former US Ambassador with 30 years of diplomatic experience in the Middle East. Ambassador Whitfield brings unparalleled relationships on both sides of the bilateral relationship.
Dr. Layla Al-Rashidi
Vice Chairman
Founder and CEO of Baghdad Capital Partners, Iraq's leading private equity firm. Dr. Al-Rashidi has structured over $500M in cross-border investments.
Robert T. Harmon
Executive Director
Former senior advisor at the US Department of Commerce with deep expertise in export promotion and bilateral trade policy. Leads IUSBC's day-to-day operations.
Tariq Al-Mansouri
Board Member
Chairman of Al-Mansouri Group, one of Iraq's largest conglomerates with interests in construction, logistics, and telecommunications.
Sarah Chen
Board Member
Managing Director at Meridian Infrastructure Partners, specializing in emerging market energy and infrastructure investments across the Middle East.
Gen. (Ret.) Michael D. Foster
Board Member
Retired US Army General and former commander of US forces in Iraq. Brings a unique perspective on security, stability, and the conditions for investment.
Connect with IUSBC
Explore how the Council builds lasting Iraqi-US business relationships.