Washington (CNN) -- As the United States completes its withdrawal of all military forces from Iraq by the end of the month, Iraq's prime minister made a pitch to leaders of American commerce and industry Tuesday: Iraq is open for business. In an address to American executives at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said his country offers "limitless" opportunities for American companies. Al-Maliki said his country is trying to diversify from an energy-dominated economy, to one that focuses on financial, medical, agricultural, educational and infrastructure services as well. The end of U.S. military operations in Iraq heralds the beginning of a "wider relationship" between the two countries where "not generals but businessmen" will focus on economic and political engagement between the two countries, al-Maliki told the audience. He spoke to more than 400 executives representing a wide range of industries including petroleum, engineering and construction, commercial aviation, architecture, maritime cargo and financial services.
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Al-Maliki talks business with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
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"Not generals but businessmen" will build the U.S.-Iraq relationship now, he says
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Al-Maliki says Iraq wants to see more U.S. companies in his country
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No U.S. energy firm secured a deal at an auction of Iraqi contracts two years ago
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Despite growing U.S. investment in Iraq, the chamber continued its own pitch to U.S. businesses of the potential Iraq represents for them, and @placeholder workers, before al-Maliki spoke.
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Nearly 40 leaders from the Iraqi private sector made the trip to Washington with @placeholder to meet with their American counterparts.
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Nearly 40 leaders from the Iraqi private sector made the trip to Washington with al-Maliki to meet with their @placeholder counterparts.