Representatives of key government agencies joined private sector leaders to discuss ways to improve the CNMI’s investment climate.
“One thing is clear,” Fitial told them. “A government-only solution to current economic issues is entirely insufficient. Real change, and with it real prosperity, will only come from a healthy and happy private sector.”
The governor, who promised “Better Times,” admitted that in these challenging times, the economic climate is stagnant and morale is hurting.
“We could spend time on blaming and we could spend time whining,” he said
But that would be unwise, he added. “We’re better and stronger than that.”
His administration, Fitial said, is ready to listen to ideas from the business community and stands ready to implement them.
Attorney General Edward T. Buckingham, who was joined by Assistant AG James Taylor on the panel, said the conference was designed to help bring together the business community and key government agencies in identifying the pressing issues facing the commonwealth.
Among the issues raised were the post-November labor status, Article 12, stabilizing the China and Russia tourist markets, the environment, the CNMI’s proximity to Asia, zoning, the demise of the garment industry, the permitting process, poor enforcement of the anti-loitering law, littering and the unpredictable changes to the legal structure.
The participants divided themselves into five groups to discuss these issues.
Buckingham said they will summarize the discussions and identify the first concrete steps to take.
Fitial said his administration has high hopes that real change can begin by making the life of the business community easier: “by making it easier for you to invest here, easier to start and operate a business, easier to hire a qualified work force.”
He added, “I look forward to our development of real solutions today. I also hope we join together in owning both these problems and, most importantly, the action necessary to build a successful future. Only with your participation can we hope to move to the right path to reach our full potential as a commonwealth.”
