This proposed legislation, introduced by President Toribiong back in February, seeks to establish an area of land surrounding the National Capitol as a Tax Free Zone, hoping that this will entice new business developments to compliment the Ngerulmud offices and provide for the economic well being of Melekeok and other neighboring states.
Delegate Ongidobel says that ‘the Committee is much more comfortable to move forward with passage of this bill now that it has received a Resolution from Melekeok State Government endorsing the bill.’ The Committee also held a public hearing recently with residents of Melekeok State to solicit their input on the proposal and received overwhelming support from them. Among those who attended the hearing, were some prominent citizens of Melekeok, namely Olikong-Polycarp Basilius, Legislator Danny S. Ongelungel and other current and past members of the state legislature.
Delegate Ongidobel anticipates smooth passage of the bill by the delegates during the coming Third Regular Session and have the bill transmitted to the Senate for their action. Ongidobel says that there is still time however, from now until the session starts in two weeks, for anybody who wish to submit comments to be considered during the committee’s final deliberation on the proposed legislation.Delegate Ongidobel is working closely with staff and members of the Committee to make sure that the final version of the bill reflects the comments received during the public hearing.Ongidobel says that the House Commerce and Trade Committee is remindful of the many contributions of the people of Melekeok towards our nation building. First they willingly donated the land property from which the National Capitol sits today and recently Melekeok State government again donated a land, situated near the Capitol, upon which to be built a National Archive Building.
