Atiyeh with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak
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. To accomplish this, he looked to a variety of sources and initiatives, but particularly to trade partners abroad. His economic development initiatives and international trade missions helped bring new industry to Oregon and brought him the nickname "Trader Vic," as well as an enduring reputation abroad that laid the foundation for his later consulting business.