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Pierce speaks to apparel and footwear association
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Posted on Nov 22 2006
Special assistant for trade relations Richard A. Pierce recently presented an update on the Commonwealth government’s project to amend General Note 3(a) during a government relations committee forum of the American Apparel and Footwear Association.
Pierce was invited to speak to the association’s membership at the Washington, D.C. forum by association president and CEO Kevin Burke.
The American Apparel and Footwear Association is a 500 member national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers which compete in the global market. AAFA is located in Arlington, Virginia.
Speaking before a diverse group of national brand name retailers, attorney groups, officials of the U.S. Trade Representative’s Offices, congressional staff and trade and lobbying firm representatives, Pierce was asked to update the AAFA government relations committee with the current status of Fitial administration’s work in amending General Note 3(a) with the U.S. Congress.
During a question-and-answer period following the presentation, Pierce was asked to explain the extent the garment industry contributes to the local economy, what effect the Jack Abramoff scandal had on the local industry’s performance, what a production cap, if enacted, would mean for future business in the Saipan factories and other questions on available monitoring for those firms interested in doing business on Saipan.
Pierce said he appreciated the chance to meet old and new faces at the AAFA meeting.
“It was a nice way to find a place to express the CNMI’s appreciation for the long-term relationships with many American companies doing business in the CNMI. I also found time to thank the AAFA for their support in moving our legislation through Congress,” Pierce said.
AAFA submitted comments to the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Charles Grassley, in support of the CNMI’s bid to amend General Note 3(a).
Many AAFA members expressed appreciation for an update on the apparel business in Saipan, and also stated they found the CNMI administration’s attempt to amend their tariff privilege a further incentive and encouragement to stay working with CNMI factories. (PR)\
