The Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses presented a seminar titled Doing Business with Asia: Best Foot Forward at the World Trade Center Arkansas on Thursday, Aug. 30. More than two dozen people including students, university faculty and Arkansas businesses attended the association's seminar to become better equipped at conducting international business with Asian partners.

Presentation topics for the event included doing business with China, doing business with India, business etiquette in a cross cultural setting, AAAB membership and utilizing the World Trade Center Arkansas services.

Speakers for the event included Sam M. Walton College of Business faculty, former Walmart consultants, World Trade Center directors and AAAB members.

Heather Dumas, owner and president of HD Customs Brokers and a World Trade Center Arkansas client, attended the seminar to expand her knowledge and professional resources. Dumas works with companies that are importing goods into the United States. She said she found the presentation on doing business with India by associate professor Vikas Anand of Walton College to be especially insightful.

"He stressed the importance of taking the time to get to know and understand the people you are wanting to do business with," Dumas said. "Many countries take a different and more long-term approach to business than Americans do. I have always enjoyed developing relationships with people around the world, but Dr. Anand opened my eyes to the paramount importance of understanding the culture as well as the individuals you are working with."

Dumas says that she intends to build on the knowledge she gained during the workshop moving forward.

"Conversing with someone on the opposite side of the world on a daily basis is the new norm," she said. "The world is becoming more integrated and interdependent every day. It would benefit all of us to learn more about each other."

For more information about the Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses visit their website at arkasianbiz.com.

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.