Envoys’ summit to focus on trade, tourism

Preparations for the first-ever Consuls General Summit Conference, which will be held on Saipan in May, kicked off yesterday with a free-wheeling discussion between the Babauta administration and the consuls general of Japan, the Philippines and Palau on issues ranging from delayed Authorization To Board documents to enhanced tourism promotion efforts.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta said he would soon be naming members to a committee that would work with the consuls general in threshing out the logistics of the summit, which would be attended by diplomats from, among others, the Philippines, Japan, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, Australia and South Korea.

Yesterday’s meeting was attended by Japanese Consul General Takeo Saito, Philippine Consul General Julia Heidemann, Eileen Kintol representing Palau, and Palau Honorary Consul General Joe Lifoifoi.

Among the topics discussed in the meeting at the Governor’s Executive Conference Room included tourism issues, the importation of goods, exchange programs in education, labor policies, investment opportunities, medical training and referral, and agricultural training.

Heidemann said the biggest problem her office has been encountering lately are the delays in the issuance of ATB’s, which block the entry of potential investors to the CNMI.

“My only concern are Filipino businessmen since contract workers have their entry permits. No problem there. But we have had cases of Filipino businessmen who were turned away,” she said.

Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente confirmed this, saying that, in one instance, Philippine shopping mall magnate Henry Sy was almost turned away at the airport last month due to ATB problems.

“Henry Sy was told that he had to return. Good thing that somebody made several phone calls and he was finally allowed in but he was actually told to go back on the next plane out,” said Benavente.

This led to some discussions on the possible issuance of a visa-type multiple entry permit that could be issued to certain persons, as long as they are certified by the consuls general to ensure legitimate investors.

Heidemann also brought up the idea of linking up Saipan with Manila as a way of promoting the Commonwealth in Europe. “We could create a travel package, some form of a three-city tour that could also include, say Hong Kong, where European tourists can go to Hong Kong, Manila and Saipan for one travel package. This would give tourists more incentive since it would mean more value for their money,” she said.

The Philippine consul general also made mention about the possible resumption of direct flights between Manila and Saipan, as she disclosed that negotiations are now going on between Philippine Airlines and the Commonwealth Ports Authority on the matter.

Resident Representative Pete A. Tenorio said that, when he goes to Washington D.C., he would be meeting with Guam Delegate Robert Underwood, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Alberto del Rosario and the ambassadors of countries that will be participating in the summit.

“I want to give them a little briefing on what’s happening here and to get them prepared for the summit,” he said. “In effect, I will be doing a lot of so-called international tourism activities, which is something that we should concentrate on,” he said.

Tenorio added that he would be returning to the CNMI in May to take part in the summit.

Interestingly enough, plans for the upcoming summit coincides with the recent invitations made by Rep. William S. Torres to diplomats from New Zealand, Taipei, and Australia to take part in a proposed summit on Saipan to discuss trade and tourism issues.

In a letter addressed to New Zealand Honorary Consul John W. Scragg, Director General Leo C.J. Lee of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Guam, and Australia Honorary Consul John Bent, Torres said such a summit would foster closer ties between these countries and the Commonwealth.

Torres, who is Chair of the House Committee on U.S. and Foreign Affairs, said the summit would involve meeting in work groups with CNMI government officials, federal agencies, and private business to discuss trade and commerce, sister-city programs, outbound tourism and investment and other areas of mutual concern.