Asia Chamber of America leadership gathering
Who We Are

About the Asia Chamber of America

For over two decades, we have served as the premier bridge between American and Asian economies — connecting businesses, governments, investors, and innovators across the Pacific.

Purpose

Our Mission

The Asia Chamber of America (ACA) is dedicated to fostering sustainable economic partnerships between the United States and Asia. We empower businesses of all sizes to navigate cross-border trade, attract foreign direct investment, and leverage the full potential of the world's most dynamic economic corridor.

Our Vision

A world where U.S. and Asian economies are seamlessly connected — where entrepreneurs, corporations, and governments collaborate freely to create prosperity, innovation, and lasting diplomatic ties.

Integrity

We operate with transparency and the highest ethical standards in every partnership and transaction.

Excellence

We deliver world-class programs, events, and advisory services that produce measurable results.

Inclusion

We champion diversity and ensure that businesses of all sizes have access to global opportunities.

Innovation

We embrace technology and new models to keep our members ahead in a rapidly evolving global economy.

ACA leadership team in discussion
20+
Years of Service
Our Journey

Our History

Two decades of building bridges across the Pacific.

2003

Founded in Cincinnati

The Asia Chamber of America was established in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a founding membership of 45 businesses committed to U.S.–China trade.

2007

First Trade Mission to China

Led our inaugural 30-member trade delegation to Beijing and Shanghai, resulting in $12M in new trade agreements.

2011

Midwest Expansion

Expanded operations to serve businesses across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, establishing the tri-state regional hub.

2015

GICC Launch

Launched the Gateway International Commerce Center (GICC), the Midwest's first dedicated cross-border e-commerce accelerator.

2018

Pan-Asia Scope

Broadened our mandate beyond China to serve all of Asia-Pacific, including Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore.

2022

AI & Innovation Division

Established the AI & Innovation division to help members navigate digital transformation, smart manufacturing, and emerging technologies.

2026

20+ Years of Impact

Celebrating over two decades of service with 1,000+ businesses served, 50+ trade delegations, and $500M+ in facilitated trade and investment.

Our Impact

20+
Years of Service
1000+
Businesses Served
50+
Trade Delegations
500M+
Facilitated Trade & Investment (USD)
12
Countries Served
200+
Annual Events & Programs
The Team

Our Leadership

Experienced executives and diplomats united by a shared mission to strengthen U.S.–Asia economic ties.

Dr. James Chen

Dr. James Chen

President & CEO

Dr. Chen brings 25 years of experience in international trade, diplomacy, and economic development. Former trade attaché and author of two books on U.S.–China business relations.

Sarah Kim

Sarah Kim

Executive Vice President

Sarah leads ACA's strategic partnerships and membership programs. She previously served as a senior trade advisor at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Robert Williams

Robert Williams

VP, Investment & FDI

Robert oversees ACA's foreign direct investment facilitation and EB-5 programs. He has 20 years of experience in cross-border M&A and private equity.

Dr. Lisa Wang

Dr. Lisa Wang

VP, Programs & Education

Dr. Wang directs ACA's trade education, GICC accelerator, and AI innovation programs. She holds a PhD in International Economics from Ohio State University.

Michael Tanaka

Michael Tanaka

VP, Trade Missions

Michael has led over 30 trade delegations across Asia-Pacific. He is fluent in Japanese and Mandarin and has facilitated partnerships in 12 countries.

David Park

David Park

VP, Government Relations

David manages ACA's relationships with federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as foreign consulates and trade offices.

Guidance

Advisory Board

Distinguished leaders from government, academia, and industry who guide our strategic direction.

AP

Ambassador Patricia Lee (Ret.)

Former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea

PW

Prof. Wei Zhang

University of Cincinnati, International Business

HT

Hon. Thomas Nguyen

Former Ohio Secretary of State

YM

Yuki Matsumoto

CEO, Pacific Bridge Capital

DA

Dr. Anita Sharma

Director, Brookings Institution Asia Policy

CR

Carlos Rivera

Managing Partner, Global Trade Law Group

JZ

Jennifer Zhao

VP, Procter & Gamble Asia Operations

SM

Sen. Mark Harrison (Ret.)

Former U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Global network of ACA partners
Network

Global Partners

We collaborate with leading chambers, government agencies, universities, and corporations across the U.S. and Asia.

United States

U.S. Department of CommerceU.S. Chamber of CommerceOhio Economic DevelopmentKentucky Cabinet for Economic DevelopmentIndiana Economic DevelopmentGreater Cincinnati ChamberUniversity of CincinnatiMiami UniversityXavier University

China

China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)Guangdong Chamber of CommerceShanghai International Trade CenterShenzhen Investment Promotion BureauChina-US Exchange Foundation

Japan & Korea

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA)Japan Chamber of Commerce and IndustryKorea Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Southeast Asia

ASEAN Business Advisory CouncilVietnam Chamber of Commerce and IndustryThailand Board of InvestmentSingapore Economic Development BoardMalaysia External Trade Development Corporation

Join the Asia Chamber of America

Become part of a network that opens doors across the Pacific. Explore membership options or contact us to learn more.