ACTING Commerce Secretary Fermin M. Atalig yesterday vowed to “explore every possible avenue” for the promotion of CNMI trade and commerce.
According to Atalig, the Department of Commerce and its previous acting secretary, Jesse Palacios, have done a commendable job, but he there is still a need for “continuous work” in providing “stimulus” to the business community.
There is, for example, a need to work closely with the Marianas Visitors Authority to promote tourism “on all three islands,” he said.
The Commonwealth Development Authority, Bank of Hawaii, Bank of Guam and other leading banks have to be included in the ongoing efforts to attract more foreign investments, he said.
The Small Business Development Center at Northern Marianas College has to be encouraged to mobilize local investments, particularly in “light industries, food and agricultural products,” Atalig said.
Besides the Quarterly Economic Indicator and the Statistical Yearbook prepared by Commerce, two “very important” statistical data are needed to provide the business community with needed information—the CNMI’s gross island products and an update of the multiplier effect, Atalig said.
A task force will be formed to look into the possibility of collecting all CNMI development plans and economic studies, including those prepared by the private sector, he said.
Atalig chaired Northern Marianas College’s board of regents before he was nominated as commerce secretary.
Former NMC President Agnes M. McPhetres said Atalig would do an “excellent job” as commerce secretary.
