Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Kicks Off World Trade Week 2025 “A New Horizon – Reimagining Trade with Innovation”

by L.A. Area Chamber

LOS ANGELES, CA – April 30, 2025 — The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 99th World Trade Week on May 1, bringing together leaders from business, government, education, and the international community at the Ronald Tutor Campus Center at the University of Southern California.

Since 1926, this event has celebrated the transformative power of global trade and is the most extensive program of its kind. This year, the event highlights the innovation reshaping the industry and the path to building a more resilient future. This year’s theme, “A New Horizon: Reimagining Trade with Innovation,” focuses on the evolving role of trade, not only in the movement of goods, but in diplomacy, technologies, and solutions that drive growth.

“For nearly a century, World Trade Week has been a cornerstone of the Chamber’s mission to promote international trade and economic growth,” said Maria S. Salinas, President & CEO of the L.A. Area Chamber. “As we navigate a rapidly shifting global trade environment and economic uncertainty, Los Angeles remains a gateway to the world—and a model for resilience, innovation, and an interconnected economy.”

The program will feature remarks from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and a keynote address by Paula Natoli, Head of Global Supply Chain Strategic Industries at Google. A panel discussion, "The Impact of AI and Emerging Macro Trends on Global Trade," will explore how technology and economic shifts are reshaping global commerce. Moderated by Stephanie Hughes, Global Client Manager and Sustainability Ambassador at Maersk, the panel will include Luis Erana, CEO of Alba Wheels Up International, LLC; Jon Poelma, Managing Director of APM Terminals; and Jason Walker, Regional Head, North America at Maersk.

“World Trade Week is more than an annual tradition—it’s a powerful platform to spotlight the impact of global trade on our region’s economy,” said Dr. Nick Vyas, Chair of the World Trade Week Committee. “This year’s focus on innovation reflects how our businesses are adapting and leading in an evolving global landscape.”

The Chamber will recognize outstanding contributions to global trade with two distinguished honors:

• Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Long Beach, will receive the 2025 Stanley T. Olafson Award. The award is the L.A. Area Chamber’s most prestigious award, and recognizes an outstanding member of the global trade community who, throughout their career, has contributed to and promoted international trade.
• Pacific Harbor Line will be presented with the Bob Kleist Leadership Award, honoring its visionary role in advancing global trade and supply chain innovation. The honor recognizes an organization that has demonstrated inspirational and visionary leadership in developing world trade in Southern California.

“I am honored and humbled to accept this prestigious award on behalf of our incredible trade community and to join a distinguished group of leaders who have shaped, elevated, and advanced global trade in our region since 1933,” said Dr. Noel Hacegaba.

As Los Angeles continues to serve as a vital gateway to the global economy, World Trade Week reaffirms the region’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth in an ever-evolving trade landscape.

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About Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of a broad spectrum of organizations across the private, non-profit, academic, and public sectors, including the business community, job creators, and innovators in the Los Angeles region. Our mission is to design and advance opportunities and solutions for a thriving regional economy that is inclusive and globally competitive. As the oldest and largest business association in the region, the Chamber has a long-standing history of convening business leaders, communities, and policy makers to promote a vibrant economy.

For more information, visit www.lachamber.com.