President Johnson Toribiong in an interview said that “UAE is considering Palau as an alternative tourist destination.”
Toribiong with the other leaders of the Pacific islands attended a two-day conference titled, ‘Prospects of Cooperation between Arab countries and the Pacific Islands’ at the Emirates Palace in Abu-Dhabi.
The president said that during the conference he tried to woo investors to Palau especially in tourism and trade.
The president said tourists in the Gulf region are traveling to the island of Maldives as their getaway. He said the tourists from the Middle East can also come to Palau due to its proximity.
He said the delegation will be composed of hoteliers and tour agents.
However, the delegation wants to find out whether investing in Palau will be safe and secure.
The prospective investors are also looking into tax incentives that could be offered to them.
The president said these issues will be reviewed by the national government in time for the visit.
“Many things regarding our state are unexplored and people don’t know about its wonders and beauty. There are lots of opportunities for investors in tourism and trade and I invite them to come and explore Palau for greater partnership,” Toribiong said during the summit.
Toribiong said under the UAE and Pacific Islands Partnership Programme would offer financial assistance to the Pacific Islands to build their capacities in infrastructure and help rehabilitate their economy and upgrade educational and health services is highly appreciated.
This partnership will further developments in academic research, Toribiong said.
