Japanese lawmaker promises to bring investors
Despite the current economic difficulties in Japan, Tokuo Yamashita, a member of Japan’s Diet has pledged assistance in encouraging more Japanese companies to invest in the CNMI.
According to Mr. Yamashita, the Northern Marianas is the best place for businesses to invest in the region with its proximity to Japan and other Asian countries.
“It has been our goal to invite many investors to the Northern Mariana Islands. I am going to do it for you,” he told CNMI legislators.
Mr. Yamashita noted the special relationship that has existed between the people of the CNMI and Japan. Both tourists and investors from Japan have come here regularly and became part of the CNMI community, he added.
Mr. Yamashita met with members of the Legislature where they discussed ways on how to carry out cooperation between the Japan and the CNMI.
“As Japan emerges from the difficult years, Japanese companies and other sources of capital may be unsure of the conditions under which it is acceptable to invest outside of our country. However, our people and our government, therefore, may find it appropriate to assure these capital sources that investment in the Northern
Mariana Islands should be considered appropriate or, even better, encouraged. And, we are all here to help and assist all of you,” he said.
However, before the Japanese businessmen could begin coming to the CNMI, the government should just give them the sign that it is now ready to welcome the investors.
Only three hours away from Japan, he said the Northern Marianas will remain a popular destination among Japanese tourists who are looking for clean tropical environment. “There may be a language barrier between countries, but we feel we are all one and the same in this world,” Mr. Yamashita said.
He said he has been encouraged by former Gov. Lorenzo Guerrero and Japan Entrepreneurs and Presidents Association chair Tsuneo Shimoki to reorganize the Japan/Northern Mariana Islands Friendship Association.
In helping the CNMI revive its economy, Mr. Yamashita said he hopes to sit down with tourism leaders in providing recommendations that would ensure the island’s viability as a tourist destination.
