For Immediate Release: July 2, 2008
DBEDT News Release 08-16

HONOLULU--The Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) will host a Hawai‘i Global Links Forum featuring Curtis S. Chin, U.S. Executive Director, to the Asian Development Bank on Monday, July 7, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the 2nd floor conference room of the Leiopapa A Kamehameha Building, State Office Tower (235 S. Beretania Street.).

Ambassador Chin was appointed Executive Director (with rank of Ambassador) in September 2006 of. He will present an Asian Development Bank perspective on business opportunities for the Hawai'i companies.

"Asian counties have become increasingly important to the global economy, and a number of business opportunities have opened up between Hawai'i and Asia," said DBEDT Director Theodore E. Liu. "With many Hawai'i businesses looking at the opportunities in Asia, this forum becomes extremely timely."

As the United States' senior representative at the Asian Development Bank headquarters in Manila, Philippines, Mr. Chin serves on the Board of Directors of the multi-lateral development bank.

Previously, Mr. Chin has lived and worked throughout the United States and Asia, including postings in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. He previously served on the Department of State's Advisory Committee on Cultural Diplomacy and as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of Commerce during President George H.W. Bush's Administration.

This Hawai‘i Global Links Forum is presented in partnership with the Pacific Asian Affairs Council.

Registration is free but due to limited seating please call or email your RSVP to: Trinh Nguyen, Director of College and Community Outreach Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) Tel: 808.944-7784; E-mail: cc@paachawaii.org

For more information, contact:
Dave Young
DBEDT Communications
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: dyoung@dbedt.hawaii.gov