Iraq meets Google, GE Vernova officials as Baghdad broadens U.S. investment push

Washington (IraqiNews.com) — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met with top executives from Google, GE Vernova, and other U.S. corporations on Thursday as Baghdad expanded its attempts to seek investment outside the energy industry during a visit to Washington. Al-Zaidi met with senior officials from HKN Energy, GE Vernova, Google, Vantive, and Commercis PLC on the sidelines of a US Chamber of Commerce conference after previous discussions in Houston with executives from major energy corporations such as Exxon Mobil and Chevron. The discussions were part of Iraq’s larger campaign to lure US investment in industries such as power, technology, healthcare, banking, and manufacturing, as Baghdad strives to diversify its economy away from oil. Earlier Thursday, Al-Zaidi spoke at a conference held by the United States Chamber of Commerce, which was attended by corporate leaders, bankers, investment firms, and representatives from industrial and technological enterprises. He informed the audience that Iraq was looking for long-term development partners rather than contractors or suppliers, and he highlighted investment opportunities in a variety of sectors, stating that the government wanted to convert the country’s natural and mineral resources into jobs and sustainable economic growth. According to Al-Zaidi, Baghdad is undertaking financial, banking, and institutional changes to improve the investment environment and encourage increased involvement by multinational corporations. Representatives from many US corporations showed an interest in developing ties in Iraq, noting the government’s reform drive and a more appealing climate for foreign investment.