Commerce planning business expo for August

Government agencies in the Commonwealth are planning a business exposition focused on bolstering relations between local regulators and the private sector—a move aimed at preparing local business people for the economic fallout of federalization and getting them ready for the pending military buildup on Guam.

In an interview Monday, Commerce Secretary James Santos and Deputy Secretary Michael Ada said they are in the early stages of organizing the expo—now slated for August—with officials from the Commonwealth Development Authority, the departments of Labor and Finance, and other government agencies.

“There hasn’t been a public forum for businesses to discuss challenges involving the government,” Ada said. “We’re going to be looking at how the CNMI’s businesses can position themselves for the federal takeover and also to take advantage of the increased military presence on Guam in the future.”

Federalization of the Commonwealth’s immigration rules is expected to take a severe toll on the local economy, according to many experts. As a result, a host of businesses are preparing for serious losses. However, some experts believe the upcoming military realignment on Guam will improve economic conditions throughout the region.

The event’s agenda is still under development, according to Santos, who added that the program might include some guest speakers. The concerns of small businesses, he added, will figure prominently in the forum.

“Our goal is hopefully to bring in those companies that are doing business in the CNMI but haven’t really voiced their concerns,” said Santos.

The exposition could provide many local businesses a chance to learn more about the agencies’ regulatory role, Ada said, and comment on local policies that affect them.

“We can’t assume we know everything on the Hill; we need to get down and talk with businesses,” Ada said.

The exposition might also give business leaders a chance to meet, develop new contacts and find new opportunities in anticipation of the military buildup and the federal immigration rules.

“It’s going to at least instill some direction in the business community here on how we can attack the military buildup,” said Ada. “On the flip side of that, we can look at how we can brace ourselves for the takeover.”