Norman Arikawa has worked at the Port of Los Angeles for over 35 years and is currently the Assistant Director of Trade Development for the Port. His responsibilities include promotion of the port and to develop inbound and outbound trade. Mr. Arikawa has helped to develop a program to outreach to small and medium businesses that promotes export opportunities and to educate them on the available resources for exporting called “trade connect”. The program received the Presidential “E” Star Award in 2013.
Mr. Arikawa is also responsible for coordinating visits by foreign officials to the port and frequently meets with government leaders such as heads of state, ministers and ambassadors from numerous countries. He also coordinates visits by local and foreign business delegations. He is assigned to assist the staff of the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Economic Development to promote and assist foreign direct investment for Los Angeles.
Mr. Arikawa has served as co-chairperson of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Global Initiatives Committee and is currently advisor to the Brazil California Chamber of Commerce. He is also currently a member of the District Export Council of Southern California by appointment of the Secretary of Commerce and serves on the board of directors of the Los Angeles Regional Export Council.
