Workshop on business opportunities in Micronesia

Business opportunities in Micronesia will be the focus of an intensive workshop July 11-12 for government officials, potential investors, joint-venture partners and other interested businesspeople from Hawaii and the U.S. mainland.

“This international workshop will provide the business professional and government official with the vital information needed to do business in the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru and Palau,” said Scott Kroeker of the East-West Center’s Pacific Island Development Program.

Micronesian representatives from both the private and public sectors will give presentations on the economy of each country, their priorities for economic growth and development, and opportunities and incentives for overseas business. American industry representatives will discuss their experience and the contribution that U.S. investment can make to appropriate and desirable development of the island nations.

Sponsors are the United States/Pacific Island Nations Joint Commercial Commission (JCC), State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, and the Pacific Islands Development Program of the East-West Center.

The JCC secretariat is based at the East-West Center, and Kroeker is the JCC project officer.

The workshop will be held at the Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel. Additional information is available by calling Kroeker at 808-944-7721 or by visiting the web site at http://pidp.ewc.hawaii.edu/jcc/workshop. The registration deadline is June 30. One- and two-day registration is available, as is a limited number of booth spaces.

“Much development of the private sector is needed to support the people of Micronesia as they strive to reach their potential while maintaining their unique cultures and pristine environments,” Kroeker said. “These countries are looking to the business sector to assist them and are actively implementing changes to their trade and investment policies to attract foreign investment.”

Workshop sessions are scheduled on joint venture possibilities, direct capital investment, importing and exporting of goods and services, privatization of government-owned services, needs for technology and educational services, and capital improvement projects.

Kroeker said Micronesia countries have a need for investment in agriculture, eco-tourism, fisheries and aquaculture, alternative energy and waste management, health care, transportation, telecommunications, environmental services and education.