Updated
November 22, 2024
Published
March 04, 2024
The U.S. Chamber is unmatched in its advocacy efforts on the international stage, and that work starts right at our historic headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Each year, we host dozens of heads of state and senior officials from around the world. We also represent the American business community at multilateral gatherings, including the Munich Security Conference, the UN General Assembly, APEC, and COP.
As the voice of American business for more than 112 years, world leaders know the Chamber is the place to discuss investment, innovation, trade, and economic growth.
The International Affairs Division champions the interests of American businesses abroad and helps companies navigate geopolitical risks. We help government leaders understand the needs of business and support smart policymaking. And we help companies deal with legislation and regulations impacting their business. Our proactive stance ensures that American businesses are well-represented in critical discussions and negotiations, from combating discriminatory regulations to influencing trade policies.
In 2023, the Chamber hosted more than two dozen heads of state and government and 500+ other senior officials, including ministers, ambassadors, and other leaders from governments around the world. Learn more in the Chamber’s 2023 Annual Report.
Here are some world leaders who have met with the Chamber in 2024.
November
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce joined with the National Center for APEC and other business groups in arranging sideline meetings with leaders and trade ministers on the sidelines of the APEC CEO Summit in Lima, Peru. One highlight was meeting with Lương Cường, President of Vietnam. Since the normalization of relations nearly 30 years ago, President Cường acknowledged that the U.S. and Vietnam have had a strategic partnership based on mutual understanding, with vast room for growth for the U.S. private sector in areas like digitalization and renewable energy.
On the sidelines of the APEC CEO Summit in Lima, the Chamber met with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand. The meeting with Prime Minister Shinawatra highlighted the U.S.-Thai bilateral relationship, which has fostered significant investments and job creation in both nations. The Prime Minister, who has a background in the private sector herself, is committed to streamlining bureaucracy, supporting Thailand's pro-trade agenda, and conversing with the U.S. business community.
October
U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark met with Mexico’s newly inaugurated President Claudia Sheinbaum and key members of her Cabinet, marking the first private sector group meeting with President Sheinbaum and her new government. “The U.S. has no more important economic partner than Mexico," Clark said. "We are each other’s largest trading partners, exchanging nearly $900 billion in goods and services annually.”
U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark hosted the Taoiseach of Ireland Simon Harris. The two leaders discussed deepening U.S.-Irish trade and investment ties. "Ireland is the gateway to Europe for hundreds of American companies, and our dialogue underscored the vital importance of our $1 trillion commercial relationship," Clark said. "American companies remain steadfast in support for and our partnership with Ireland.”
The Chamber hosted the Transitional President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, for a business roundtable and the formal signing of six Memorandums of Understanding between U.S. companies and the Gabonese government designed to increase bilateral investment and trade. President Oligui Nguema expressed his dedication to “improving our cooperation on the basis of a win-win structure.” He declared, “My ambition to transform Gabon and its socio-economic climate is based on market access."
September
The U.S. Chamber was on the ground in New York, hosting two dozen events, bilateral meetings, roundtables, and more on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly — including 11 direct engagements with heads of state or government.
These meetings presented the opportunity to discuss priority issues between the business community and world leaders and demonstrate how American business is at the heart of solving some of the world’s most pressing geopolitical and socio-economic challenges.
The Chamber hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a public-private sector roundtable focused on meeting Ukraine’s immediate energy needs and ensuring Ukraine’s long-term energy security. The roundtable built on U.S. Chamber efforts to realize a peaceful, prosperous Ukraine through the Ukraine Business Initiative.
Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark, along with the Chamber’s U.S.-Türkiye Business Council, led by Chairman Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani, held discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and top Ministers about Türkiye’s economic reforms, positive developments in the U.S.-Türkiye relationship, and ongoing projects in finance, defense, aviation, manufacturing, energy, climate, and digital transformation.
The Chamber's U.S.-Africa Business Center (USAfBC) hosted the Vice President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima for a business roundtable focused on economic and regulatory strategies bolstering U.S.-Nigeria commercial ties and showcasing the formal launch of the Chamber’s new U.S.-Nigeria Business Initiative.
The Chamber co-hosted a business roundtable and dialogue with the President of Vietnam, To Lam. He emphasized Vietnam’s desire to attract American investment and promote greater innovation in Vietnam’s economy.
The U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Colombia Business Council hosted a roundtable discussion with Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro. President Petro highlighted opportunities for Colombia to grow its bioeconomy and stressed the importance of a transition from fossil fuel towards clean energy sources.
The Chamber’s U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council hosted an industry roundtable with H.E. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh. The roundtable featured over forty executives representing many American and Bangladeshi companies spanning sectors including energy, aerospace, apparel, banking & financial services, consumer goods, digital economy, and logistics.
July
The NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum brought many government and business leaders to the Chamber, where they gathered to seek solutions to a safer world. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke at the event. "There is no way to provide strong defense without a strong defense industry. This industry is key to ensuring we have the ingenuity to maintain our technological edge to defend our alliance," Stoltenberg said.
May
Kenya President William Ruto joined the U.S. Chamber during his historic State Visit to participate in the U.S.-Kenya Business Forum. “Kenya works, and we mean business,” said President Ruto. “When it comes to investment, we are ready for you. Let's bring your vision to reality. And let us build Kenya together with your companies.”
The U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council (USBBC) met in Dhaka, Bangladesh, for high-level dialogues with Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, as well as senior members of the Bangladesh government and the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka. Prime Minister Hasina noted USBBC’s role in advancing U.S.-Bangladesh trade and investment and called on the Council and business representatives to explore further opportunities.
The U.S. Chamber's South Asia program made its first official commercial mission to Nepal, marking the first business delegation to the Himalayan nation. During the visit, Amb. (ret.) Atul Keshap, Senior Vice President for South Asia, and Nirmal Kajee Shrestha, Chairman of the recently accredited American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AmCham Nepal), met with Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" to discuss strengthening U.S.-Nepali business and investment ties.
April
Evan Greenberg, U.S.-Korea Business Council (USKBC) Chairman, concluded a successful visit to Seoul, South Korea, accompanied by the U.S. Chamber’s Senior Vice President for Asia Charles Freeman, and USKBC Executive Director Esperanza Jelalian. The delegation met with Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg, and others, focused on expanding the U.S.’ deep commercial ties with Korea.
During the 2024 U.S.-Ukraine Partnership Forum at the Chamber, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Chamber leaders and spoke about the nation’s ongoing recovery efforts, including a comprehensive reconstruction strategy. Shmyhal also highlighted legislative reforms and international support and cooperation, particularly with the U.S., as key elements in creating a conducive environment for investment and rebuilding. “Together, we may build a better future in Ukraine after our mutual victory,” said Shmyhal.
The Chamber’s U.S.-Iraq Business Council hosted Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani and over 50 private sector executives for a roundtable discussion and the signing of 19 Memos of Understanding. Prime Minister Al-Sudani highlighted Iraq’s desire to attract U.S. companies to participate in Iraq’s growing economy, touting the comprehensive economic reforms initiated by the Iraqi government in the last 18 months.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines visited the Chamber for a business forum. He emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines and the key role of business in deepening bilateral ties.
The Chamber’s headquarters was abuzz with reporters, business executives, and government officials as Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made the Chamber his first stop in his visit to Washington, D.C. Discussions covered foreign direct investment, energy, and more.
March
Leading into St. Patrick’s Day, President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark welcomed Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of Ireland to celebrate the vital economic relationship and deep cultural ties between the U.S. and Ireland.
The Chamber also hosted First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill of Sinn Fein, and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly of the Democratic Unionist Party. The Ministers discussed the challenges and opportunities facing Northern Ireland, strengthening the transatlantic ties and their country’s unique trade benefits, which grant Northern Ireland access to both the UK and the EU markets.
Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa visited the Chamber for a conversation on the role American companies play in supporting Latvia’s growth and prosperity. The Chamber lauded Latvia’s firm support for Ukraine and its commitment to strengthening NATO and transatlantic security.
February
President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark led a delegation to Beijing in February to have candid conversations with senior Chinese government and business leaders, including Premier Li Qiang, regarding the commercial opportunities and challenges between the U.S. and China.
President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Chamber where they discussed the transatlantic alliance, investment and trade ties between the U.S. and Germany, and the need to face global challenges shoulder-to-shoulder, including support for Ukraine.
About the authors
Sean Hackbarth
Sean writes about public policies affecting businesses including energy, health care, and regulations. When not battling those making it harder for free enterprise to succeed, he raves about all things Wisconsin (his home state) and religiously follows the Green Bay Packers.
