The AmCham MENA Regional Council was founded in 2005 by the American Chambers of Commerce of Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. AmCham Bahrain joined the Council in 2007. The Council’s mission is to promote trade and investment between the MENA region and the United States. This is done through fostering regional cooperation, while coordinating efforts among AmChams to promote greater business opportunities between the United States and the Middle East North Africa region. The Council's goals and values include commitment to free trade, opening of regional markets, protection of intellectual property rights, and accession to international agreements. Free trade agreements (FTAs) between MENA countries and the United States are also a priority for the Council.