Saipan Tribune

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Friday, January 18, 2013

Businesses urged to complete Economic Census Survey

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, through the U.S. Census Bureau Economic Statistics and CNMI Department of Commerce's Central Statistics Division, would like to remind all businesses in the CNMI that the 2012 Economic Census is under way. All island businesses should have received their forms since the end of December 2012.

A total of 1,286 questionnaires were mailed out last month. To date, a total of 14 questionnaires have been filled and returned back to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Three mail follow ups will be conducted during the months of March, April and May followed by telephone and in-person follow up during the months of June and July by staff of the department's Central Statistics Division.

The Economic Census of Island Areas is the major source of facts about the structure and functioning of the economy of the CNMI. Data from the Economic Census is important for everyone involved with the economy from government policy makers trying to assess potential impact of proposed legislation to the trade associations looking to assess trends within their industries, and to the individual businesses trying to analyze potential new markets. This data has been found to be useful in the past in large part due to businesses completing their Economic Census forms.

In issuing this notification, Commerce Secretary Sixto Igisomar stated, “It is through these types of data that shape the Department of Commerce's economic recommendations to policy makers. I want to extend my appreciation for the support from the local business community”.

Igisomar added that it is advisable for all businesses to complete the questionnaire forms on-line or through mail by the due date of Feb. 12, 2013.

This reminder will also be accessible at www.commerce.gov.mp. For any questions or comments please contact Central Statistics director Alfonis M. Sound at e-mail director.csd@commerce.gov.mp or call (670)-664-3023/45. (Office of the Governor)