KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said U.S. businesses should consider increasing their engagement and investments in Palau and in the Pacific.
During the U.S. and Pacific Island Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., Whipps noted that Palau’s proximity to Asia makes it a strategic place for businesses.
“But I think sometimes we’re forgotten because they just fly over the Pacific, and they end up in Asia,” he said.
He added that Pacific economies will develop further with U.S. private sector assistance.
“Why not make Palau a center for U.S. businesses doing business in Asia — we don’t have to be like Singapore, we can be a mini-Singapore,” Whipps said.
He said U.S businesses should be encouraged to invest in Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia which have Compacts of Free Association with the U.S.
Whipps at the same time acknowledged U.S. assistance to Palau and the Pacific in addressing climate change.
Surangel Whipps Jr.
