Garment Manufacturers Plead For Help
pacific, HI
(Saipan Tribune)
Saipan’s seven remaining garment factories have asked the Northern Marianas administration to save what’s left of the once dominant industry, the Saipan Tribune reports.
The companies, in a letter sent in late March, asked Gov. Benigno Fitial to push for changes in trade relations agreements between the U.S.-islands and Washington, to exempt the Northern Marianas from pending increases to the minimum wage, and to waive many local taxes and fees that impact the industry.
“The death of this industry is greatly over exaggerated. Doing nothing to change or not applying resources for change will fulfill the prophecy of the industry’s demise,†the firms said in their letter to Fitial. The remaining garment manufacturers that signed the letter are United International Corporation, US CNMI Development, Marianas Garment Manufacturers, Inc., Onwel Manufacturing, RIFU Apparel, Neo Fashion, Inc., Uno Moda Corporation, and Kueng Seung Saipan, Inc.
“Our industry will continue to remain in the CNMI as long as it makes economic sense to do so. The mutually beneficial partnership entered into 25 years ago is in serious jeopardy due to the erosion of those opportunities that attracted investment here. We hope that with your administration’s careful consideration and effort we know we can continue to exist in the CNMI longer than many would have us otherwise,†their letter said.
