In April the Bilateral U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (BUSACC) led a delegation on its first Trade Mission to Libya. The delegates represented business leaders from a variety of sectors including energy, healthcare, security and procurement. This initial trip proved successful as an agreement of cooperation was signed between the General Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Libya and BUSACC. This Trade Mission exceeded everyone’s expectations, and we are looking forward to our next trip in early 2010.

"Libya was full of surprises from finding the pristine ruins of Liptus Magna to the emerging business relationships."
Charlie Wilson, CEO, Salvex

"I was impressed with the Bilateral's ability to effectively coordinate the interests of the various sectors involved, and the exposure certainly opened the door to opportunities in Tripoli and beyond."
Ruthy Khawaja, Vice President, Methodist International

The Bilateral U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (BUSACC) recognized ExxonMobil Corporation with the 2009 Outstanding Commercial Diplomacy Award for the company's long-term support of business, education and cultural exchange programs in the Middle East during the Chamber's international reception at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston.

David L. Phillips, chairman of BUSACC, presented the Outstanding Commercial Diplomacy Award to Tim Cejka, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Company, before more than 500 guests, including official delegates from Algeria, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

"This award is granted to a company that has exhibited exceptional level of support for U.S.-Arab business, education and cultural exchange programs," explained Aida Araissi, managing director of BUSACC. "ExxonMobil's annual support of the Bilateral U.S.-Arab Chamber has enabled us to bring together key business forums, speakers and briefings to help small and mid-size U.S. companies pursue opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa."

For more information visit:
www.bilateralchamber.org or call 713-880-8168.

Left to right:
David L. Phillips, Chairman, BUSACC
Tim Cejka, President, ExxonMobil Exploration Co.
T.H. Joseph LeBaron, Ambassador of the U.S. to Qatar
T.H. Richard Olson, Ambassador of the U.S. to the U.A.E.

H.E. Abdallah Balli, Ambassador of Algeria to the U.S. with members of the delegation from Algeria and executives from Schlumberger, a sponsor of the event.

May 4th, 2009:
The distinguished Board of Advisors of the Bilateral U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce honored the CEO’s and top executives from each NOC and IOC in town for OTC Week. Companies represented included ExxonMobil, Kuwait Oil Company, ConocoPhillips, Total, Sonatrach, Aramco, GDF Suez, and Marathon Oil.

Right to left:
Jay Jackson, ExxonMobil
Neil Bush, Nexus Energy
Pat Oxford, Bracewell & Giuliani
H.E. Abdallah Baali, Ambassador of Algeria to the U.S.

May 6th, 2009:
BUSACC hosted a panel discussion on Abu Dhabi, one of the leading oil and gas producing regions of the world, and its new comprehensive plan for urban development, and economic development and diversification. The new framework, "Abu Dhabi 2030," seeks to build a sustainable world-class city, with a diversified knowledge-based economy, including highly developed infrastructure, education and health systems. These ambitious goals offer a wide range of opportunities for U.S. companies to support the development of Abu Dhabi.

Right to left:
T.H. Richard Olson, U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E.
Laurie Farris, U.S. Commercial Counselor, U.A.E.
Mr. Seetharaman, CEO, Doha Bank
Michael Habib, President , U.S. - U.A.E. Business Council

May 6th, 2009:
BUSACC hosted a CEO roundatable dinner featuring The State of Qatar. T.H. Joseph Lebaron, U.S. Ambassador to Qatar, and members of the commercial service office in Doha briefed the audience of CEO's and high level executives on Doing Business in Qatar and the country's goals for the future. Companies present were Qatar Airways, Methodist Hospital, Chevron, Aramark and Jacobs, in addition to the Consul General of Qatar to Houston, H.E. Yousef Al Khater.