CDA beefs up efforts to establish one-stop shop

The Commonwealth Development Authority is beefing up efforts for the fast-tracked creation of the proposed center that will handle business information and the needs of potential investors, Board Chair John S. Tenorio said yesterday.

However, Mr. Tenorio explained that more have to be done in order to completely establish the proposed one-stop in order to prevent possible duplication of other government agencies’ functions, especially those that directly or indirectly deal with business and investment.

“We are continuously working with both the Legislature and the Administration to keep things going in order to revive the economy through increased business activities. CDA is definitely working on the proposed one-stop shop,” he told an interview.

He pointed out that the development authority, through its various programs, has been carrying out projects that would pave the road for increased business activities on the three major islands of the Northern Marianas.

“We are currently helping businesses; entrepreneurs more importantly because CDA believes that improvement in the condition of small businesses has significant positive effects on how the local economy would rally,” Mr. Tenorio said.

He stressed that establishing the proposed one-stop business information and investment-handling center is not a simple undertaking that would require further research job to avoid duplication of entity functions.

“We want to make sure there are no duplication. It will take time because we want to put things in proper order. One thing is certain though, CDA is working on it and we are more than willing to handle the center,” he added.

He also mentioned that CDA Executive Director Marylou S. Ada has been asked to look at how the agency could be of better help to the government’s efforts in reviving the islands’ economy, that has suffered major setback due to decline in visitor arrival figures.

The one-stop shop, a brainchild of Rep. William Torres, has been envisioned to assist the business sector in making the Northern Marianas keep a good investment climate to ensure economic growth.

Mr. Torres previously said the center, which will facilitate and expedite business investment through the development processes, is a vital link to an orderly, simplified and progressive economic growth.