WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- "The future" isn't just oil, the head of the U.S. branch of Iraq's Kurdish government said while courting investors in Washington Monday.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is hosting a luncheon with the Kurdistan Regional Government, Iraq's semiautonomous three northern provinces, featuring top U.S. and business officials.

"While the development of our oil and gas sector will be critical for our sustained development, and we place great emphasis on it, the Kurdistan region's economy is not solely dependent on oil and gas," said Qubad Talabani, the KRG's representative to the United States and son of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani. "In fact, we are spoilt for choice. For example, we have enormous agricultural potential as well as a robust workforce that is entrepreneurial and industrious.

"As the publication shows, the economic opportunities are varied and enticing."

He spoke to United Press International prior to the release Monday of the new publication "The Kurdistan Region: Invest in the Future."