Washington, DC – The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, in partnership with the Middle East Council of American Chambers of Commerce (MECACC), hosted a welcoming reception held on the margins of MECACC’s “American Abroad=Exports=Jobs” Capitol Hill Door Knock, which took place on Monday, April 26, 2010. The event attracted delegates representing the public and private sectors of the U.S. and Middle East as well as former United States Ambassadors to the Gulf region.

Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E Business Council began the reception by highlighting the significance of the MECACC delegation and the importance of helping Congress to understand the strategic business opportunities available in the Gulf region.

Mr. Sebright’s opening remarks were followed by welcoming remarks from John Habib, the Chairman of MECACC and President of AmCham Abu Dhabi.  In his remarks, Mr. Habib expressed his gratitude to the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, the MECACC delegation, and the reception attendees for their support and interest in MECACC’s “American Abroad=Exports=Jobs” initiative.

The keynote speaker for the evening was The Honorable Christopher S. Wilson, Assistant U. S. Trade Representative for Europe & the Middle East. During his speech, Mr. Wilson spoke notably about U.S. trade policy relations with countries in the Gulf region.  His insightful remarks shed light on the potential that exists for trade and commercial opportunities between the United States and the Middle East.

Mr. Wilson assured attendees that the Administration has significant interest in expanding U.S. trade relationships with Middle Eastern companies and defining a strong trade and commercial relationship with the Middle East, which will create and sustain American jobs.

The reception allowed key members of the Middle Eastern business community a chance to network with key figures in the U.S. public and private spheres on the margins of MECACC’s Capitol Hill outreach efforts.