‘Serious’ investors coming

Representatives from top U.S. businesses such as Hilton Hotels, Bridgecreek International, and University of Southern California will take part in the upcoming trade mission to the CNMI, the Department of the Interior said yesterday.

In a press briefing at the Governor’s Office yesterday, DOI special economic advisor Angeli Williams said there will 13 to 14 investors who are expected to join the mission, which is set on May 17 and 18 on Saipan.

Williams describes the business delegation as “a very interested and very serious” group.

“Business people who are coming on a mission are very serious. They are so serious that they are paying for their entire [trip]..to come out and follow up on opportunities that they’ve been told about in the islands. So we are trying to set up the best possible meeting here,” she said.

She cautioned, though, that although they are serious, actual investments would take time.

“It won’t happen overnight. We’re not bringing people with suitcases full of money…but we are bringing people who are very serious. We are opening the door and introduce people to each other and hope that they will open a dialogue that will continue and will result in a commitment and in a business venture,” Williams said.

Williams arrived on the island with staff Joseph Gecan.

The two, together with Office of Insular Affairs field representative Jeff Schorr, met with Gov. Juan N. Babauta, and other local officials yesterday.

They were also expected to meet with local business representatives.

The team left last night for Guam. Prior to Saipan, the two had been to Palau.

The business delegation will visit the three jurisdictions in May.

Williams said yesterday that the investors were picked based on the priority list of the three states.

In the CNMI, she said, priority investments included eco-tourism, hotel, education, cruise industry, housing, and utilities privatization.

“It’s a targeted approach,” said Williams.

She said a list of the delegation members will be made public.

She said some of the investors have been on island like Sedy Demesa of Pleasant Care. Pleasant Care manages a chain of nursing and convalescent homes in the United States.

Bridgecreek, meantime, is a full service real estate firm specializing in domestic and international development.

“These are legitimate businesses that are coming here,” she said.

She said the mission will be headed by DOI assistant Secretary Lynn Scarlett and OIA deputy assistant David Cohen.

DOI has hosted business summits for the insular areas since two years ago in efforts to promote economic opportunities in the islands among American investors.