CLDP in cooperation with the Iraq Investment and Reconstruction Task Force, the Department of State, the US Consulate in Basrah, the City of Houston, the US Export Assistance Center, and a group of private sector resource partners, hosted a delegation of Basrah Business leaders in Houston, Texas from May 20 – 24.  The Study Tour is a follow-up to the Partners in Trade Agreement between the City of Houston and the Governorate of Basrah signed in December 2012.  The delegation consisted of business representatives from a wide range of sectors, including, construction and engineering, tourism, infrastructure and oil and gas.  During the five-day study tour participants engaged in meetings with a variety of business leaders, local chambers of commerce, members of the Iraqi Diaspora, business site visits, and in working sessions on effective business practices.  As part of the program, participants also attended business networking events where they had the opportunity to meet with more than 60 US company representatives in the sectors identified above who are interested in seeking opportunities and local partners in Basrah.  The Study Tour marks the first visit of Iraqi business leaders since 2009.