Senate panel deliberates Mafnas’ nomination

The Senate Standing Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations held a public hearing yesterday on the nomination of acting Department of Commerce secretary Remedios C. Mafnas.

Mafnas, who was nominated by Gov. Arnold I. Palacios to serve as Commerce secretary last May 10, appeared before the Senate standing committee along with a large group of supporters (all of whom had nothing but great words to say about her.)

Mafnas, for her part, gave an opening statement regarding her goals and priorities for the department while also answering some questions posed by members of the committee.

After over an hour-long hearing, the Senate Standing Committee took Mafnas’ testimony into consideration as they deliberate on whether to recommend her nomination to the entire Senate floor.

Mafnas, in her remarks, stated that as secretary of commerce, her priority is streamlining Commerce’s processes to further help existing and future businesses.

“My role expands beyond oversight of departmental functions in order to achieve the economic goals set by the current administration. Once confirmed, I will prioritize straitening our business climate through collaboration, balance, and data driven decision making. My priorities include collaborating with the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority, [Saipan, Tinian, and Rota] Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders to promote economic development as well as keeping the businesses that are here now. Ensuring a balanced approach to domestic enterprise and foreign investment, providing access to local resources for new and existing businesses, [and] supporting our statistical capacity in enhancing data driven decision making,” she said.

Mafnas said she prioritizes the assessment governing the CNMI’s business community to ensure that they promote a sound and equitable business environment.

“This will include enhancing seamless services for businesses like e-filing efficiency and ensuring accountability to adapt to today’s evolving business landscape. I aim to make it easier for businesses to access information and provide efficient processes,” she said.

Mafnas also addressed Commerce’s Central Statistics Division which is tasked with collecting and recording various economic data sets.

“These sets include economic indicators and the consumer price index. These quarterly data sets are critical for the business community and policy makers to implement policies using timely and reliable objective data. Historical, timely publication of data has been difficult to achieve to meet the department’s goal of helping mitigate this difficulty. I will utilize appropriate funding sources to provide supportive solutions,” she said.

“I envision working closely with region and federal counterparts to strengthen our local statistical capacity. The CNMI cannot take advantage of federal monies available through grants without statistical data to support its request. Supporting grants requests will be a prime focus in my activity and direction,” Mafnas added.

In closing, Mafnas said she assures the committee that she is committed to carrying out the responsibilities of the Department of Commerce for the growth and development of the CNMI’s economy.