APIL bats for free trade status

The Association of Pacific Island Legislatures has adopted a resolution requesting the chief executives of member states to enter into a free trade agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

APIL said such an agreement would assist Pacific island members “achieve a reasonable balance in their trade.”

“The economies of the Pacific islands have experienced much difficulties and stagnation due to the effect of natural disasters, like typhoons…and are in dire need of recovery,” states the resolution.

“At present, the Pacific islands lack the resources and wherewithal to gain economic recovery and regain some semblance of economic trade balance,” it added.

The APIL, composed of lawmakers from 12 governments, urged their chief executives to immediately start a dialogue with the Commerce Department to extend free trade status to the islands.

The association, led by its president, CNMI House Vice Speaker Timothy Villagomez, recently had an assembly on Guam to discuss mutual concerns ranging from environmental protection to cultural tourism development, among others.

The association’s lawmakers come from12 Pacific governments such as the CNMI, Guam, American Samoa, Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Yap, Marshall Islands, Palau, Hawaii, Nauru and Kiribati.