iF October DIGITAL September-October 2020 | Page 38

policy U.S. Chamber Hosts B20 Global Dialogue The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and B20 Saudi Arabia hosted a major virtual event on August 13 focusing on economic resilience and digital transformation. The session was headlined by U.S. Chamber CEO Tom Donohue—who also co-chairs the B20 Trade & Investment Task Force—and B20 Saudi Arabia Serpa Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun. The program also featured a panel on economic resilience through digital transformation with B20 Future of Work & Education Taskforce Chair Dr. Ilham Mansour Al-Dakheel, B20 Finance and Infrastructure Taskforce Chair Rayan Fayez, and Google Vice President for Global Government Affairs and Public Policy Karan Bhatia, with moderation U.S. Chamber of Commerce International Policy Update August 21, 2020 U.S. Chamber Hosts B20 Global Dialogue Chamber’s U.S.-Iraq Business Council Hosts Iraqi Prime Minister Chamber Comments on Proposed Labor Petition Guidance for USMCA Chamber Urges EXIM to Renew Partnership with PEFCO 38 iF Magazine |September-October 2020 from U.S. Chamber Vice President for Global Initiatives Gary Litman. During the event, Donohue emphasized that “strong global alliances are critical to keep supply chains stable and secure and keep trade flowing.” International partnerships are critical at this time of economic upheaval, with the WTO reporting this week that global merchandise trade volume dropped 14% between the first and second quarters of this year — a dire figure, yet less than feared. Panelists also discussed how COVID-19 has not only significantly impacted the way countries work together but has accelerated the digital transition for a wide range of sectors. The digital economy is a critical economic driver in ways that were unimaginable even a year ago, and the new reality will require a commitment to protecting and updating legacy systems and reconsidering the whole data ecosystem from data processing and protection to cybersecurity and competition. The panel also emphasized the importance of workforce development and the need to reimagine education and policies that address gaps in digital education and ways to ensure equitable access to digital skill-building initiatives. A recording of the event is available here. For further information, please contact the Manager of Middle East and Turkey Affairs Liz Clark ([email protected]). Chamber’s U.S.-Iraq Business Council Hosts Iraqi Prime Minister On August 19, the U.S. Chamber’s U.S.- Iraq Business Council hosted an executive roundtable with H.E. Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, Prime Minister of Iraq. The prime minister was joined by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ali Allawi, Minister of Oil Ihsan Ismail, and Minister of Electricity Majed Hantosh. The session also featured participation by U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, DFC CEO Adam Boehler,