Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui has been chosen by the National Lieutenant Governors Association to serve as a member of its International Committee, his office announced Monday. 

The committee provides direction on opportunities for states’ lieutenant governors to become globally engaged.

"This role recognizes Lt. Governor Tsutsui as a point of contact and recognized expert for NLGA and to his peers," NLGA Director Julia Hurst said in a news release sent out by Tsutsui’s office.

Tsutsui said the appointment is an honor.

"Because Hawaii serves as a gateway between Asia and the Pacific, being appointed to this committee is a natural fit," he said. 

Earlier this year Tsutsui led a trade mission to the Philippines with Philippines Consul General of Honolulu Julius Torres that strengthened ties and encouraged business relations between Hawaii and the Philippines, his office said.

"I’ll be able to share my knowledge on how Hawaii continues to work on attracting the various visitor markets and business industries to fuel our economy," Tsutsui added.

Hurst said, "The opportunity to increase international contacts and find possible markets for the states’ businesses is a benefit to Hawaii and all states."

The NLGA is a professional association that provided research and issue exchange opportunities to lieutenant governor sin all 50 states and U.S. territories.