The official opening featured opening remarks from the Wesley Simina, governor of the state of Chuuk.
Simina welcomed all participants from the private sector and the FSM national government for making the time to attend the meeting and expressed appreciation to the FSMACC board of directors for selecting Chuuk to host their meeting.
He stressed that Chuuk state government values the private sector’s contribution to the development of the state’s economy and will continue to work together with the other governors and the FSM national government to enhance the participation of the private sector in the overall development of the FSM.
Secretary Marion Henry of the FSM Department of Resources and Development joined Simina in welcoming the members of the board of directors.
He noted that the meeting was an historic occasion since preparatory work had been underway for almost one year.
Henry also stressed the importance of having one single entity speak on behalf the private sector and represent its interests in the decision making process as well as in national and international events.
He thanked the FSM Congress for approving funds to support the FSMACC during its early years of existence, and strongly advised the board of directors to work on alternative sources of funding with the view to become fully independent.
In his address, the president of the FSMACC, Bill Stinnet, expressed his gratitude to all the participants for their engagement in building a strong network to better address issues of specific concern for the private sector.
