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Business leaders vow to work with administration
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Posted on Feb 08 2000
As part of its commitment to assist the administration of Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce met yesterday with the local chief executive to discus areas where they could cooperate in order to improve the island’s economy.
Chamber President Lynn Knight said the meeting was also an opportunity for the business organization in the CNMI to introduce its new set of officers to the governor.
Earlier, the Chamber met with members of the House of Representatives where the business leaders expressed their support for legislation that will help improve the investment climate in the CNMI.
Ms. Knight said the Chamber’s Government Relations Committee will review significant legislation affecting businesses and also propose measures that will help improve the island’s business climate.
The Chamber has always worked together with administration in opposing the planned federalization of labor and immigration as it has affected the CNMI’s ability to attract new investment.
“Any business interested in the CNMI will have to look at the possibility of major changes in our system and the risks such changes could bring. While we should always look to local sources first, investors must have assurance that they can hire the skilled people they need,” Ms. Knight said.
At the same time, businesses have also opposed any increase in minimum wage amid recession since this will result in layoffs.
The CNMI, Ms. Knight said, must continue to create a more stable business climate, fight for local control and allow the CNMI to develop its own economy.
A genuine spirit cooperation between the federal government and the Commonwealth must be encouraged in addressing the immigration and labor problems that must be resolved, according to Ms. Knight.
This would provide the business community and the CNMI government the time, and potential investors the confidence, to bring new and diversified economic opportunities to the Northern Marianas, she added. (LFR)
