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
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.
Nearly 40 leaders from the Iraqi private sector made the trip to Washington with @placeholder to meet with their American counterparts.
Nearly 40 leaders from the Iraqi private sector made the trip to Washington with al-Maliki to meet with their @placeholder counterparts.