Governor Kathy Hochul proclaims May 2024 as AAPI Heritage Month with 22nd Annual World Trade Week Award Reception held successfully
Our Bureau
New York, NY
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has proclaimed May 2024 as Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month. Amit Shah and Mukesh Shah were among the recipients of Special Honor at the celebrations.
Mukesh Shah is a New York entrepreneur, who is the CEO and founder of Hakoba. Shah was not even twenty when he made his foray into New York’s garment district. Hakoba fabrics are special light and breathable Swiss fabrics. There was a craze in the 80s and 90s to shop for Hakoba sarees among Indian residents and visitors. Hakoba Inc, offers fabrics for both men and women.
Amit Shah is the Co-Chair of the AAPI Heritage Month Celebrations, Co-Chair of the International Affairs at GNYCC and Director of Asian American Business Affairs at GNYCC. Shah is also a Community Board 6 member.
Grand events honoring AAPI trading and businesses were held successfully alongside the 22nd annual World Trade Week Award Reception. The events were organized by the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, Korean American Association of Greater New York, and Apan Foundation.
This prestigious event took place at the Korean American Association of Greater NY Headquarters in Manhattan on May 22, 2024, and brought together a diverse group of ambassadors, consulates, trade leaders, and government officials to discuss the current state of global trade and explore opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Hosted by Greater New York Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Mark Jaffe and Orthodox Jewish Chamber (OJC) Chairman Duvi Honig, the event underscored the importance of international trade in promoting economic growth and fostering diplomatic relationships. It recognized key individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to world trade.
Honorees included Danielle M. Outlaw, Deputy Chief Security Officer of the Port Authority of NY and NJ, and Edward Mermelstein, New York City’s Commissioner for International Affairs, both celebrated for their roles in promoting international trade and economic development.
Sibu Nair, Governor Hochul’s Deputy Director of Asian Affairs, Mr Md. Najmul Huda, Consul General of Bangladesh in New York, Sangeeta Neupane, Vice Consul at the Nepal Consulate in New York, Benedict Uy, Trade Commissioner at the Philippine Consulate General in New York, Danial Akhtar Abd., Consul at the Consulate General of Malaysia, Man-Li Lin, Economic Development Specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration, Licelle Cobrador & Mampi Ghosh of Cobrador & Associates PLLC, Mukesh Shah, Founder & CEO of Hakoba Inc., Gobinda Lama of Prime America Real Estate, Kwang Kim, President of the Korean American Association of Greater New York, James Kim, Operations Chairman of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce were the other notable awardees and attendees.
Additionally, the US President’s Lifetime Volunteer Service Award was presented to GNYCC President and CEO Mark Jaffe. Amit Pratap Shah, Community Board 6 member and Chair of the program, led the AAPI Heritage Month celebrations, highlighting the significant economic and cultural contributions of the AAPI community and promoting business understanding and unity among diverse groups.
The program provided a platform for participants to establish valuable connections, explore potential business partnerships, and promote growth for local small businesses and the international trade sector. “This event not only honored the pioneers in global trade but also fostered networking and collaboration opportunities essential for economic growth,” said Mr. Shah.
During the World Trade Week in NYC, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement. An additional MOU was signed with Mark Jaffe, President of the Greater NY Chamber of Commerce, further solidifying partnerships and collaborative efforts in international trade.
