Qorvis Communications was behind yesterday’s official launch of the U.S.-Kurdistan Business Council as it hosted Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan section of Iraq, during his official visit to Washington, according to CEO Michael Petruzzello.
The USKBC pitches Kurdistan as a land of untapped business opportunities in an area in need that boasts one of the most liberal investment climates in the Middle East.
It promises to establish strong working ties with U.S. policymakers to help facilitate American business and investment in Kurdistan.
Founding members of USKBC include Marathon Oil, Hunt Oil, GardaWorld (private security contractor), Louis Berger Group (construction), Hillwood International Energy and Claremont Group (real estate developer).
Qorvis managing director Ayal Frank is working the USKBC business. He joined Qorvis in November as the firm’s first in-house lobbyist.
Frank worked for former Congressman Jim Maloney (D-Conn.), who was a member of the House Armed Services Committee.
Qorvis has extensive experience in the Middle East gained from work for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen.