Asian-Pacific Islander American Business Leaders Convene in Nation’s Capital for Historic Meeting

Since 1977, the month of May recognizes the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians to the American story. The legislation honoring the significance of our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage was introduced by some of the finest Asian Americans in U.S. history: Congressman Norman Mineta, Senator Spark Matsunaga, and Senator Daniel Inouye.

On May 5^th, the White House Initiative for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage hosted a business roundtable at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where representatives from the Small Business Administration, International Trade Administration and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), met with more than 50 AAPI business leaders from around the country.

During the meeting, the participants discussed ways to raise awareness of the needs, interests and aspirations of entrepreneurs, business owners and corporate leaders of AAPI heritage. Some of the issues discussed during the meeting were including AAPI in the opportunities for small businesses, international trade and the process for collecting and analyzing statistical data pertaining to AAPIs.

“AAPIs are the fastest growing consumer segment in the U.S. and represent just over six percent of the total population,” said Sach Takayasu, president and chief executive officer of the Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ACE), a national Washington-based organization focusing on advancing the business interests of AAPIs throughout the country. “For many years, AAPIs have not had a strong and credible business voice in the halls of government, and we are here to fill that void.”