“The conference is designed to give the public and the private sectors a chance to have a dialogue and work closely with each other to welcome new business opportunities that would arise,” acting Department of Commerce Secretary Michael Ada told the Variety yesterday.
He said the conference allowed anyone interested in starting a business, is currently in business or who wants to revive a lost business, to see the true picture of the CNMI’s business climate.
“The economic climate of our islands today issues challenges that we must face, and small businesses need to be well-informed about existing opportunities that can be taken advantaged of and what resources are available, not just on Saipan but also in Tinian and Rota,” Ada said.
He added that next month, the Small Business Administration on Guam will conduct a workshop for local businesses on Saipan.
“This workshop is important because we have a military build-up coming up,” Ada said.
He added that the workshop will teach small business owners knowledge how to go through the process of transacting business with the federal government.
“Small business operators in the CNMI can also have a dialogue with the SBA to tell them what they want and what they need,” Ada said.
Also discussed during the conference yesterday were issues that created an impact in the business community including foreign investment, immigration and labor, agriculture and aquaculture, as well as the CNMI’s plans and resources.
The forum, which carried the theme “Partnering for the Future,” was attended by over 150 representatives from the private sector and the different government agencies.
