ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The United States Consulate General in Erbil has reinforced its commitment to strengthening economic ties with the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing its role as a vital entry point for American businesses looking to access Iraqi markets.

The reaffirmation came during a high-level meeting on Thursday between Acting US Consul General Caitlin Piper and a delegation of regional chamber of commerce leaders at the new US Consulate General compound.

In a statement on the social media platform X, the consulate described the meeting as a reflection of Washington’s view of the Kurdistan Region as a “dynamic entry point” to Iraq’s broader economy.

The delegation was led by Geylan Haji Saeed, President of the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and included senior representatives from the chambers of Duhok, Halabja, and Sulaymaniyah. Discussions centered on expanding commercial relations, facilitating trade, and enhancing institutional cooperation between US and Kurdish business communities.

According to a statement from the Erbil Chamber, both sides discussed practical measures to deepen engagement. These included organizing exchanges of trade delegations and facilitating joint participation in international exhibitions and economic forums. The Kurdish delegation specifically encouraged the US Consulate to take on a stronger coordinating role in linking American companies with local chambers and private-sector entities.

Thursday’s economic dialogue follows the recent inauguration of the United States’ largest consulate worldwide in Erbil, a significant infrastructure investment interpreted as a signal of Washington’s long-term political and economic commitment to the region.

The expanded diplomatic footprint is anticipated to function not only as a center for bilateral relations but also as a platform to bolster American investment, promote trade, and foster private-sector partnerships across Iraq.

This engagement aligns with intensified efforts by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to attract foreign investment. The KRG is actively promoting the region as a stable and business-friendly environment within Iraq, with Erbil positioned as a strategic regional hub for international companies seeking entry into the wider Iraqi market.