Dear American Chambers of Commerce abroad:

As 2021 comes to a close, all of us on the U.S. Chamber’s International Affairs team would like to extend our sincere appreciation for your partnership. Navigating the second year of a global pandemic was no easy task for any of us, but with your steadfast support and continued engagement, we were able to chart a course toward resumed growth, rebounding trade, and sustainable economic development.

We are proud of our collective efforts to advocate for pro-growth policies around the globe this year. Working closely with you, the Chamber advocated tirelessly for the new U.S. administration to unravel trade disputes. From Congress to the WTO and in dozens of capitals, we beat back proposals for forced localization and “buy local” requirements. With the leadership of our new President and CEO, Suzanne Clark, we worked with global partners to respond to the pandemic through the provision of critical medical supplies in some instances and better policy coordination worldwide. We didn’t achieve all of our goals, but rest assured that with your partnership we will continue to press for the U.S. to lead on trade and resume negotiation of market-opening trade agreements.

Despite the peculiarities of business amid a pandemic, we were pleased to see many of you often on our screens (and sometimes in person). Our book of work included more than 600 virtual meetings, including 24 with heads of state or government and more than 100 meetings with ministers, ambassadors, and other leaders. One of the highlights of the year was the Global Forum we hosted in May, which brought business and government leaders together to discuss global trends. The event inspired by Suzanne was received with such overwhelming support that we will host our second forum in May 2022, and we hope many of you will participate!

In the spirit of the season, the U.S. Chamber’s International Affairs team is making a contribution to World Central Kitchen, a phenomenal organization that works across the United States and in a number of other countries to distribute meals in communities that need support — for children and families to pick up and take home, as well as delivery to seniors who cannot venture outside. Knowing many of you personally, I am sure you too are continuing to taking time to “give back” in many forms in your communities.

The Omicron variant has raised new questions about the future course of the pandemic, including about in-person meetings and travel plans. We are monitoring the developments closely. We are working with the private sector and the U.S. government to support efforts to scale up and accelerate vaccinations internationally. Despite the challenges we face, though, the resilience I see in the AmCham community inspires me and makes me hopeful about the year ahead.

We wish you a safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you in 2022!

Warmest regards,