By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

Questions and concerns on the economic future of Palau have started pouring in during the first day of the weeklong Economic Symposium.
Compact Review Commission Chairman Kuniwo Nakamura that the presentations of the local leaders on different topics which concern the economic needs of the country gave an overview of the strength and a weakness of the Compact of Free Association as the government prepares for renegotiation of the Compact of Free Association by 2009.
"We are getting information that we are all interested in," Nakamura said.
He said the presentation of the local leaders that covered topics on tourism industry, energy, security, climate change; sustainable livelihood and privatization among others are reflection of the people needs as relayed through the elected and government officials.
The symposium opened yesterday with an open forum of the Palau leadership and the general public to share ideas on the Compact and the economic development of the republic.
Nakamura said he is happy with the outcome of the first day of the symposium.
President Remengesau in his remarks during the first day reminded the leadership to "listen, listen and listen and after the symposium act , act and act."
The president said the symposium is very important in shaping the future of the country.
The president however reiterated that development should be balanced and that environment should not take a backseat.
He said that there are developments that Palau should reject if it will mean destruction to the environment.
He said that in coming out with policies the leaders should always consider the economic benefits it would bring to the people.
Paramount Chief Yutaka Gibbons in his remarks said that the outcome of the whole symposium and the Compact Review Commission will "empower the people of Palau and this republic to focus and strengthen our eagerness to learn, to prosper and contribute to peace and harmony, wealth and prosperity within Palau, within the region and to the world through the new Compact of Free Association with our long time ally, United States of America,"
House Speaker Augustine Mesebeluu for his part said economic development should be a harmonious balance between the advantages of global trade and exposure and the environment.
"The question next becomes how to strike such balance, in a global environment that is inherently fluid, constantly changing and innately unpredictable. In striving for such a balance, I believe our plan must be threefold: education, preservation and dedication," Mesebeluu said.
Sen. Joshua Koshiba said the choices Palau would determine the direction the country is headed.
"The uncertain future poses many possibilities. We may face challenges to our nation’s security-from potential international land disputes, to enforcing the boundaries of the Continental Shelf, to illegal fishing in Palauan waters to the real threat of global terrorism," Koshiba said.
He added that Palau must continue to affirm its commitment to the Compact with the U.S. to protect the national security interests.
Today , group sessions will begin, and on Feb. 22, the symposium officially opens and outside inputs will start from guest speakers from international organizations.