The U.S. Department of Commerce promotes the importance of exporting as part of May World Trade Month activities, with special emphasis on World Trade Week which has occurred during the third week of May every year since the official proclamation of the event by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1935.  The purpose of these two events is to reflect on the importance of international commerce to the quality of American life.  In 2007, The U.S. reached a record of $1.63 trillion in exports, a 12.6 percent increase over the previous year.  These exports helped to support millions of U.S. jobs.

World Trade Month is also a time when the U.S. Department of Commerce presents Certificates of Appreciation in Trade to recognize foreign business partners, trade associations, U.S. government agencies, and other recipients for supporting U.S. export development and for creating opportunities for U.S businesses through trade. 

Congratulations!

This year the U.S. Department of Commerce, through Commercial Service Japan, is pleased to announce that the following companies have been awarded Certificates of Appreciation in Trade for 2008.

Diamond-Big Co., Ltd. (Globetrotter Travel Guidebooks)

Awarded to Mr. Toshiharu Nishikawa, President of Diamond-Big Company Ltd., for the company’s thirty-year promotion of the U.S. as a destination for Japanese travelers through their Globetrotter Travel Guidebooks.  

Oka International Co., Ltd.

Awarded to Mr. Shigeji "Tony" Oka, CEO of Oka International Co., Ltd., for the company’s long-standing dedication to bring a variety of U.S.- made cosmetics, toiletry and household brand products to Japan.

NSP Corporation

Awarded to Mr. Yasumasa Ido, President & CEO of NSP Corporation, for the company’s success in the introduction and sale of U.S. technologies and equipment for water treatment and soil remediation.