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Manglona eyes tourism, economic opportunities in his trip to China
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Posted on May 12 2005
Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona said he plans to seize tourism and economic opportunities for Rota on his planned trip today to establish sister city relationships with four cities in China.
“It has been my continuing effort to expand Rota’s economic opportunities by establishing partnerships in order to promote interest for investors to develop sound investments on our island. Our trip to China offers an excellent beginning of mutually beneficial opportunities,” said Manglona.
The mayor’s effort is for Rota to take advantage of the approved destination status for the CNMI. One of the many windows of opportunity is to seek potential airline service to connect Tinian and Rota. This will create a new tour option in line with the Bisita Marianas concept.
“I am very eager to take this trip to open tourism and business opportunities for the island of Rota. Rather than waiting for one more year to promote Rota to China travelers and investors, we want to do it now. We strongly feel that we are ready now and our island is ready now to welcome and receive Chinese visitors to our beautiful, friendly, delicious and romantic island,” said Manglona.
While in China, Manglona intends to meet with the mayors of Guangzhou, Xiamen, Zhenjiang and Shanghai. He said he wishes to establish a sister-city friendship treaty with these mayors.
“By establishing sister-city relationships between our two countries, we can forge the way to promote cultural exchanges, education, trade and other activities in aid of commercial prosperity and social enrichment. We can engage in scientific research studies in marine science, exploration of our ocean and underwater resources, aquaculture development, plus many other means to bring cultural and economic enrichment of mutual benefit,” said Manglona.
Calvin Lai, the Honorary Economic/Tourism Ambassador to China for Rota, was instrumental in making the important arrangements with the four city officials in preparation for this visit.
Manglona will be traveling with Martin Mendiola, the resident director of the Department of Commerce; and the department’s economic adviser, Thomas Mendiola.
