CNMI and Taiwan officials are continuing discussions to strengthen economic relations, said Sen. Celina R. Babauta, who hosted a welcome dinner last week for Guam-based Taipei Economic and Cultural Office or TECO Director General Chia Ping Liu and Deputy Director General Shawn Hugh Yang.
During the recent meeting, the group highlighted the CNMI’s strategic value and its potential for partnership with Taiwan.
Babauta also took the opportunity to present the visiting officials with Senate Resolution 24-04, which the Senate unanimously adopted in May. The resolution calls for Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations’ family of organizations, including the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the World Health Assembly, the International Criminal Police Organization, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The dialogue Babauta initiated with TECO leaders focused on the CNMI’s economic, educational, healthcare, and tourism priorities.
“I deliberately invited specific leaders from our executive branch because they hold the key to our economy,” Babauta said. “Whether through tourism, education, workforce development, investment, or healthcare capacity — they each represent a critical pillar of our economy’s potential.”
Among those present at the meeting were Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. CEO Dr. Esther L. Muna, Northern Marianas College President Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron, NMC Science, Math, Health, and Athletics Department Chair and Liberal Arts Program Coordinator Velma Guerrero, and CHCC Chief Strategy Officer Eleanor Guerrero.
Muna informed the group that CHCC is actively pursuing public-private partnerships to deliver sustainable, resilient, and high-quality healthcare. She emphasized the importance of involving the healthcare corporation in high-level discussions, particularly in light of new policies regarding the licensing of medical professionals from foreign countries — policies aimed at expanding access to care.
“I appreciate Senator Babauta’s diligent efforts in facilitating conversations like this, bringing together leaders who are committed to improving the lives of our community,” Muna said.
Taijeron, for her part, shared MVA’s continued efforts to diversify and expand visitor markets. “We see great potential in Taiwan for future collaboration and cultural exchange,” she said.
Babauta added: “Taiwan’s regional leaders are receptive to developing a closer relationship that can help the CNMI economy, and I wanted Director General Liu to see and hear firsthand the talent, drive, and resources the CNMI offers. Our islands may be small in size, but they hold vast strategic and economic value to regional partners.”
She continued, “We need to shift our mentality — to think beyond our current challenges. I understand the need for immediate fixes, but anything done in haste is rarely sustainable. That’s why we must plan intelligently and act decisively. Opportunities will not create themselves.”
Liu expressed his gratitude for the CNMI’s warm welcome and praised the Commonwealth’s proactive approach. “Thank you for welcoming us as partners. This visit opens the door to mutual cooperation that will benefit both the CNMI and Taiwan,” he said.
Babauta said the meeting underscored her ongoing efforts to strengthen CNMI-Taiwan relations. In January, she noted, NMC and Taichung University signed an academic cooperation agreement aimed at expanding NMC’s nursing program through bilateral partnership, the signing of which was facilitated by Babauta during a prior meeting with TECO officials in Hawaii.
Deleon Guerrero also expressed appreciation for TECO’s support in cultivating partnerships that benefit the CNMI across sectors, including tourism, healthcare, education, and overall economic development.
“We especially appreciate the visionary leadership of Senator Celina Babauta in coordinating these partnerships with diligence, care, and hope,” he said.
Sen. Celina Babauta presents a framed copy of Senate Resolution 24-04 to Taipei Economic and Cultural Director General Chia Ping Liu and Deputy Director General Shawn Hugh Yang on Saipan last week.
Contributed photo
CNMI officials meet with Taipei Economic and Cultural Director General Chia Ping Liu and Deputy Director General Shawn Hugh Yang on Saipan last week.
