Trader Vic

One of Atiyeh's main goals as governor was to help diversify Oregon's economy, which had been dependent on the timber and agriculture industries up to that point. Drawing on his family's business experience in international trade, he looked to develop new trade partnership abroad, especially in Asia. Over the course of his time in office he made many official visits:

• 1979. Japan, Korea, Taiwan
• 1980. Costa Rica
• 1983. Japan
• 1984. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Israel, Cyprus
• 1984. Japan, China, Hong Kong
• 1984. Taiwan, Korea
• 1984. Taiwan, Korea
• 1985. Japan
• 1985. Taiwan, Syria
• 1985. Japan, Korea
• 1986. China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan

He advocated against harmful tarriffs and taxes that discouraged international investments in Oregon, and worked to create lasting business ties. His achievements included bringing Japanese technology companies to Oregon; establishing a sister state agreement with the Fujian province of China; supporting creation of the first direct flights from Portland to Tokyo; and generally fostering greater visibility for Oregon's business abroad. One notable partnership was Atiyeh's support for a Japanese television program, From Oregon with Love, which introduced the Japanese public to the beautiful landscapes of the state, helping to bring tourism to the Pacific Northwest. 

Atiyeh's economic development initiatives and international trade missions brought him the nickname "Trader Vic." For his efforts in Japan, he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, the highest honor given by the government of Japan to a non-Japanese citizen.