Higuchi at the same time asked the Korean community leaders to encourage their compatriots to visit the CNMI.
Higuchi met with Jong Ho Lee, the Korean Community of Saipan president, during the turnover of the donation to the earthquake and tsunami victims of Japan.
“I hope you continue to assist in bringing more tourists to Saipan,” Higuchi told Lee.
He said Saipan’s economy has been severely affected because many tourists from Japan cancelled their trip following the disaster that struck their country.
Higuchi noted that South Korea’s economy is still strong while Japan is striving “to get back.”
Lee, along with Jong Myung Kim, Korean Community of Saipan treasurer and Korean news reporters, visited Higuchi’s office in Puerto Rico.
In an interview, Lee said they started the fund drive on March 21 and it ended on April 22.
He said the response from the Korean community was overwhelming.
They announced the fundraising on Korean television channel and in the Korean newspaper, he added.
He said members of the Korean community were very happy to help the victims in Japan and “they also feel very sorry for them.”
On behalf of the people of Japan, Higuchi thanked the Korean Community of Saipan.
“I appreciate your kindness for extending your support to us,” he told Lee.
