Chamber, HANMI join forces in advocating for CNMI exemption from China flight cap

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce and the Hotel Association of the NMI have now joined forces in advocating for a CNMI exemption to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s China Part Order 213 which puts a cap on the number of scheduled flights from China to the entire United States.

The Chamber and HANMI have now banded together in support of a CNMI exemption to US DOT’s China Part Order 213 which essentially caps the number of scheduled flights from China to the entire United States to 24 each month.

As their first order of business after joining forces, HANMI and the Chamber sent out letters addressed to government leaders including Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP), Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero (D-Saipan) and members of the Senate, and House Speaker Edmund Villagomez (Ind-Saipan) and members of the House, asking them to collaborate with the private sector and consider some of their recommendations pertaining to issues revolving the China market.

Some of the recommendations proposed by the Chamber and HANMI were working to bring back the China market, improve processing of Chinese visitors, amending the approved countries eligible for CW-1 permits, and more.

“There are significant and urgent needs present in our community, and the means by which to address them collaboratively. Expanding the potential revenue for all and not just the piecing out of ever smaller portions of a shrinking source of revenue is possible through collaboration, improvements to the way in which our government and economy operate, and in balancing diverse needs to uplift the greatest number of people. We understand the complexities of geopolitics and the myriad of considerations when crafting policy. However, the CNMI stands at a pivotal juncture, and the decisions made today will echo for generations. We are not merely seeking economic growth; we are striving to preserve our way of life, our culture, and our shared American values. We humbly urge you to consider our recommendations, keeping in mind the broader tapestry of U.S. interests, regional dynamics, and the very real, immediate needs of the CNMI’s residents,” said the letter.

Ultimately, HANMI and the Chamber’s goal in this joint endeavor is to address critical matters that both the business community and the government face today.

“This collective endeavor is a testament to our commitment to fostering a more robust and prosperous economic environment on Saipan. The Chamber along with HANMI are dedicated to working alongside these influential leaders to champion the interests and aspiration of our local businesses,” said the letter.