The Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses elected Boon Tan, Senior Director of Global Trade Strategy for the World Trade Center Arkansas to serve on its leadership board this week. Formed in June 2017, the Association is dedicated to showcasing and promoting the professional endeavors of its members.

Arkansas was home to nearly 3,400 Asian-owned small businesses in 2008 according to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are large communities of Asians throughout the state from countries like India, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Korea, Japan and many others. Pulaski, Benton, Washington and Sebastian counties are home to the largest concentrations of Asian-Arkansan residents.

"As the first Asian-focused business organization in Arkansas, it is important that we set our best foot forward every step along the way," said Yang Luo-Branch, president and founder of the Association. "Recognizing the wealth of Asian-related professional experience and expertise that Boon has, we are thrilled to have him on our board to help us realize the full potential of the AAAB and provide value for the community for many years to come."

Tan is originally from Malaysia and speaks multiple Asian languages. He has nearly 40 years of experience serving in international business roles in Arkansas and overseas. He holds an MBA in international marketing and finance from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville and received his bachelor's degree in finance and management from Southern Arkansas University.

The Association, based in Little Rock, published five objectives serving as guiding priorities for the organization. These objectives include but are not limited to:

• coordinating and assisting existing Asian-owned businesses in Arkansas
• assisting new businesses coming from Asia to Arkansas
• providing education about cultural differences and similarities in business
• exploring multi-cultural business opportunities and
• promoting an entrepreneurial spirit

Arkansas & Asia

"Asian markets are very important to the economy of the state - both for importing and exporting," Tan said. "The association members can help facilitate and expand the trade between Asia and Arkansas. The World Trade Center can also facilitate diplomatic initiatives between Asian businesses and Arkansas through."

Tan's leadership in the Association will allow the World Trade Center Arkansas to directly engage with the Asian population of Arkansas's international business community. The Center can provide insight with the organization's goals to assist Asian-owned businesses and explore international opportunities.

The Association is hosting a workshop called Doing Business with Asia: Best Foot Forward at the World Trade Center Arkansas on Thursday, August 30 from 8:30am - noon. Presenters include professors from the Walton College of Business. Registration and other details can be found here.

The mission of the World Trade Center Arkansas is to grow trade and increase Arkansas exports by connecting Arkansas businesses to the world through international trade services. The Center is part of the University of Arkansas and serves as the trade promotion arm for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. For more information and valuable updates, please follow the Center on Facebook and Twitter or subscribe to the World Trade Center Arkansas newsletter.