The future of garment industry to be tackled at SCC’s meeting

The November meeting of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce will address the future of the garment industry in the CNMI and the future of the chamber with the election of its 2005 board officers and directors

The meeting will be held at the SandCastle Room of the Hyatt Regency Saipan on Wednesday, Nov. 3. To accommodate both activities, the lunch buffet at the Hyatt Hotel Sandcastle Room will open at 11am. Cost of buffet is $15. The meeting will start promptly at 11:30am; elections will begin at 11:45am, with main speakers to begin at noon.

“Please note this change in schedule and arrange to be at this meeting early,” said chamber executive director Christine Park.

Speakers will describe the current situation and what will happen after next year’s global changes in manufacturing, export, and entry into the United States. Speakers will address how the changes will affect orders from Asian buying offices, the factories themselves, and your businesses that depend on this industry and its employees.

As an integral part of the CNMI economy, the Saipan garment industry provides for over 22,000 jobs inside and outside factory walls. This industry accounts for a third of government budget dollars and supports many business and community entities because of its presence in Saipan.

Over the past decades, global competition has increased dramatically for local apparel factories. Many agree that the World Trade Organization elimination of quota restrictions on foreign countries exporting into the United States will present the toughest test for local factory viability in the Commonwealth. Apparel executives and government officials already expect changes to occur.

“How will this affect your business? How will this affect your job? How will this affect the CNMI overall? How will manufacturers and government address and adjust to these major global changes? How much longer will the garment factories stay in Saipan?” are some of the questions that will be answered during the presentation.

Addressing the members and guests will be the Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association chair James C. Lin, Polo Ralph Lauren’s Hong Kong Sourcing Office’s Doug Rogers, and others. The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is also inviting CNMI Gov. Juan N. Babauta, House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial, Senate President Joaquin G. Adriano, and House and Senate members to attend.

“Guests and visitors are always welcome; please bring others who will want to hear this important information,” Park said.