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Creation of free trade zones nears
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Posted on Sep 21 2000
Legislation creating free trade zones in the Northern Marianas is likely to be signed by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio despite reinstatement of key provisions that he asked to be deleted when he vetoed the initial proposal early this year.
He told reporters yesterday he is ready to sign the measure, but said he would outline the administration’s concerns so that the Legislature can amend it.
HB 12-11 has been pending for his signature since end of July, and his power to act on it expires this week. Even without his approval, it will automatically become a law.
Intended to boost the local economy and expand its base beyond tourism and garment manufacturing, the administration-sponsored legislation has been in the works for the past two years.
Mr. Tenorio rejected the initial measure passed by the previous Legislature, citing unconstitutionality after amendments were inserted that would grant mayors of Rota and Tinian control over public lands designated as free trade zones.
A similar proposal, even though worded differently, is again before his office. Asked if he would push for amendment once he signs it into law, he said he would leave the matter to the Legislature.
“I can’t force the Legislature what to do, but hopefully [it will amend it] if it’s necessary,” he explained. “The Legislature is very receptive in some of our requests for reconsideration in some of the concerns that the administration has.”
The governor, however, declined to say what are his objections to the new FTZ bill.
A key economic measure, the proposal has been in the agenda of the Tenorio administration since 1998 as part of its efforts to revitalize the economy and attract investments in other industries into the CNMI.
It seeks the creation of these special economic sites on Saipan, Tinian and Rota by granting tax breaks and other incentives to potential investors in order to shore up dwindling revenues in the Commonwealth. (BS)
