Pushing for CNMI Visibility in Japan and Korea Trade Agreements

I wrote to President Trump regarding the major investment agreements recently announced with Japan and the Republic of Korea this week, extending my appreciation for securing these unprecedented commitments and sharing how meaningful they could be for the Northern Mariana Islands. Our islands are the closest American community to both countries, and before the pandemic their visitors and investments formed the backbone of our tourism economy. Recovery has been slow, air service has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, and the ripple effects continue to be felt by families and local businesses. In my letter, I urged the administration to make sure the CNMI is included in the investment discussions now underway. Even a small share of the commitments made by Japan and Korea could have a significant effect on our economy. I also encouraged the President to support efforts to restore air service to the Marianas by aligning investment tools with the routes that matter most to our islands and our regional partnerships.