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For Immediate Release: May 16, 2013
Contact: Tim Truman (202) 482-3809
Obama Trade Official Presents Peace Through Commerce Award, Concludes Trade Winds Mission in Tokyo
TOKYO – U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez today concluded his Trade Winds Asia 2013 participation by presenting the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) with a Peace through Commerce Medal Award during a luncheon in Tokyo.
In the aftermath of the tsunami on March 11, 2011, the ACCJ immediately came to Japan’s aid through fundraising and other charity efforts as well as drawing American business back to the region. Established in 1948, the ACCJ represents more than 1,000 companies through its offices in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.
“After the tragic events of March 2011, the ACCJ worked tirelessly to promote the message that ‘Japan is Open for Business’ and to re-establish confidence in Japan among the American and global business communities,” said Sánchez. “The ACCJ’s response to this tragedy and its dedication to promoting U.S. businesses in Japan are to be commended.”
The Peace through Commerce Medal Award recognizes an individual, group, or organization, either domestic or abroad, whose actions have significantly promoted and developed U.S. export initiatives, encouraged innovative approaches, and improved overall U.S. trade relations. It dates back to the first Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, who commissioned the medal in 1790. Jefferson gifted the medal, formerly known as the Diplomatic Medal, to foreign diplomats who aided the Continental Congress during the American Revolution.
Tokyo was the final stop in Under Secretary Sánchez’s Trade Winds itinerary that also included visits to Hong Kong and Seoul. More than 70 U.S. companies participated in the annual event hosted by the International Trade Administration’s U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service. Trade Winds Asia 2013 helped participating firms gain market insights and make industry contacts with the goal of increasing U.S. exports to Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.
Trade Winds Asia 2013 advances President Obama’s National Export Initiative, which aims to support job creation and economic growth by doubling U.S. exports by the end of 2014###
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