First delegation of Arab Ambassadors to attend National Governors Association conference in Michigan

Ambassadors expected to attend the four-day event include H.E. Ali Aujali of Libya, H.E. Nabil Fahmy of Egypt, H.E. Saqr Ghobash of the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Aziz Mekouar of Morocco, H.E. Hunaina Al Mughairy of Oman, and H.E. Samir Sumaida'ie of Iraq. This visit represents a unique opportunity for the Arab ambassadors to meet most of the nation's Governors in one place.

"This is the first time in the 99-year history of the NGA that they have received a delegation of sitting Arab ambassadors. Our chamber is deeply grateful to the NGA for the opportunity to participate in this meeting, and we commend the ambassadors for recognizing the extraordinary potential of networking with our nation's Governors," said David Hamod, NUSACC's President & CEO.

According to the U.S.-Arab Tradeline: 2007 Outlook, published by NUSACC, it is estimated that U.S. sales to the Arab world are surging to $45 billion. U.S.-Arab bilateral trade reached $109 billion in 2006 and total Arab market imports are expected to reach $405 billion revealing great potential for U.S. exports with its high quality and competitively priced consumer goods.

The NGA (www.nga.org), founded in 1908, is the collective bipartisan voice of the nation's Governors and one of Washington DC's most respected public policy organizations. The annual meeting of the NGA brings Governors together to share best practices and address policy issues. But the meeting also presents opportunities for Governors to meet with government and private sector leaders from around the United States.

The Ambassadors have been invited to attend as official "observers," and they will participate in a number of sessions in that capacity. The Ambassadors will also have the opportunity to meet with Governors who have a special interest in international relations and the global marketplace.

"These people-to-people gatherings go a long way toward promoting cultural understanding and dispelling stereotypes," concluded Hamod. "We see this as a win/win opportunity that has a longer-term potential to create jobs and promote foreign direct investment in communities across the United States and in the Arab world."