Palacios, delegation woo Taiwan

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and a small delegation left the CNMI yesterday for a six-day visit to Taiwan as part of the administration’s efforts to, among other goals, broaden the CNMI’s source markets for its struggling tourism industry.

In a statement, Palacios said this visit involves a number of meetings with senior level government officials as well as representatives from key industries whose partnership have a considerable potential to benefit the CNMI and its people.

“As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is imperative that we recognize the incredible potential for business opportunities in Taiwan,” Palacios said.

The delegation includes House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez (Ind-Saipan), Senate vice president Sen. Donald M. Manglona (Ind-Rota); Rep. John Paul P. Sablan (Ind-Saipan), who chairs the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation; Rep. Angelo A. Camacho (Ind-Saipan), who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee; and Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Christopher A. Concepcion.

According to the Office of the Governor, the CNMI has been invited by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Guam and Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or MOFA, to visit Taiwan from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4. The MOFA is funding the delegation’s travel, accommodations, and transportation.

The U.S. State Department has approved Palacios’ travel to Taiwan.

Palacios and the CNMI delegation are tentatively scheduled to meet with MOFA representatives and other key government leaders. They also have meetings with representatives from China Airlines (which is one of Taiwan’s two major airlines), Taiwan Travel Authority, Taiwan utilities operators and construction companies, and the Taiwan SDA Hospital. The delegation will also attend the Taiwan Travel Fair.

The Office of the Governor said the visit aligns with Palacios’ and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang’s priorities in diversifying the CNMI’s economy, cultivating new tourism markets, expanding foreign investment opportunities, and forging partnerships with public and private sector agencies of other countries. The private sector agencies include health providers and electric energy producers.

The CNMI delegation aims to enhance healthcare, infrastructure, utilities, travel and tourism, and transportation opportunities.

In addition, the delegation aims to strengthen cultural ties and preservation between the CNMI and Taiwan.

Sen. Donald Manglona

Christopher A. Concepcion