Broaden Your Business Horizons
2025 Day of Giving
Building Bridges, Fostering Growth: Invest in Arkansas' Asian Business Future
As part of our first-ever Day of Giving fundraising campaign on December 2nd the AABC is calling all members of the Arkansas-Asia Business community to help us advance our mission and strategic Initiatives.
The AABC is actively building the economic bridge between Arkansas and Asia to create a more dynamic and globally connected state. We are at a critical inflection point. With your support, we can launch new, impactful programs and achieve measurable success.
Funds from this year's Day of Giving campaign will be dedicated to "Empowering Next-Gen Leaders & Connecting Our Community" and directly support two pivotal AAAB strategic pillars:
- AABC Ascend: The launch of our Internship Program and an Innovation Challenge to cultivate future Asian-American talent and foster entrepreneurial solutions benefiting Arkansas businesses and youth.
- AABC Community Hub: Enhancing our signature networking events, such as the "East Meets West" of Arkansas Lunar New Year Luncheon, to build stronger connections and foster a more vibrant, inclusive business community.
Support the AABC today—your investment fuels our vision!
Connecting Arkansas and Asia in Business
Arkansas has a long and successful history of working with Asia in the areas of trade relations and foreign direct investments, as well as attracting professionals and entrepreneurs from Asia to the state. Did you know:
- According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 85% of Asians in Arkansas have at least a high school diploma; 46% of them have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. (Source: US Census)
- Asians living in Arkansas had the highest median household income of all Arkansans by race of $90,288 per year: (Source: Neilsberg.com)
- Arkansas continues to be an attractive location for Asian companies to do business, contributing to job creation. (Source: Arkansas Foreign-Owned Business Report)
- Five of 10 Arkansas’s export locations are in Asia; specifically, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Korea and Vietnam (Source: 2023 and 2022)
- Prominent Asian companies, including Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Welspun, and TY Garments USA, operate facilities in Arkansas.
- Lithium Supply Agreement: Exxon Mobil signed a non-binding agreement with South Korea’s LG Chem to supply lithium extracted from Arkansas’ Smackover Formation, indicating collaboration in advanced energy sectors. (Source: Reuters)
- Rice Trade with Japan: In 2023, Japan imported $414 million worth of rice from the U.S., with Arkansas poised to increase its contribution due to rising demand. (Source: Axios NW Arkansas)
Many professionals relocating to Arkansas for job opportunities, particularly those joining the Fortune 500 firms as well as technology and manufacturing companies, bring a global mindset. An organization like the AABC that champions multicultural communities and fosters a diverse professional network is essential for attracting and retaining this talent, making Arkansas a welcoming place to call home.
The AABC at a Glance
Mission
Founded in June 2017, the AABC developed a clear purpose and mission from the very beginning.
Community
The AABC grows not only as an organization, it also expands as a community, consisting of members, volunteers, and enthusiasts.
Activities
The AABC hosts events throughout the year, such as networking sessions and workshops. We are also big on collaborating with others.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Continent Level Sponsor
Country Level Sponsor
Past Corporate Sponsors
