‘A fraction of these commitments could generate transformative and lasting change.’
PINNING hope and confidence in President Trump’s economic agenda, U.S. Congresswoman Kimberly King-Hinds on Thursday requested the president’s support for the inclusion of the CNMI in ongoing investment discussions with economic superpowers Japan and South Korea.
The congresswoman said the president can encourage the Asian partners to direct a portion of their new U.S. investment commitments toward restoring air service to the commonwealth to help revitalize the local economy.
“Your leadership in securing major investment commitments from Japan and the Republic of Korea has been commendable. These agreements reflect confidence in your economic agenda and the renewed strength of the United States as a global partner and investment destination,” King-Hinds said.
Congresswoman Hinds emphasized that for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, these developments carry particular importance. The commonwealth, she pointed out, is the closest American community to Japan and South Korea and has maintained close cultural and economic ties with these two Asian economic powerhouses for generations.
King-Hinds shared with the president that before the pandemic, visitors from Japan and South Korea accounted for most of the NMI tourism arrivals, with their investments helping sustain local businesses, employment, and public services.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, however, King-Hinds said, the foundation of the NMI economy has been severely weakened. The air services from Japan and South Korea have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, the strong U.S. dollar has reduced travel demand, and several routes have been suspended.
The result, she said, has translated into declining revenues, business closures, and the erosion of the tax base that supports critical public services.
“Your administration understands these challenges. Your support through the Covenant Section 902 process and your decision to back the CNMI’s request for federal assistance restored confidence in our community and demonstrated your willingness to address the complex issues facing America’s territories. That same spirit of problem-solving is exactly what is needed now,” King-Hinds said.
The president’s agreement with Japan and South Korea, she said, has created an opportunity for allied investment in the CNMI. Because the NMI’s economy is small, King-Hinds said, even a modest fraction of these commitments could generate transformative and lasting change.
“What is needed is advocacy to ensure the CNMI is visible within these investment conversations and that partners understand the immediate, measurable impact their investment would have in the Marianas,” she said.
Air service is one area that would yield significant results from Trump’s support to ensure the NMI is included in these investment talks, King-Hinds said. Encouraging Japanese and Korean partners to leverage their direct U.S. investment incentives to establish routes to the CNMI would help restore the islands’ tourism, rebuild the private sector, and create measurable economic benefits for American workers and businesses in the Pacific, she said.
By Emmanuel T. Erediano Variety News Staff
