President Surangel Whipps said United States businesses should consider increasing their engagement and investments in Palau and in the Pacific.
Whipps told members of the local media that during the US and Pacific Island leaders’ summit, he has remained the Chamber of Commerce meeting that Palau’s proximity to Asia which makes it a strategic place for businesses.
“I think sometimes we’re forgotten because they just fly over the Pacific, and they end up in Asia.”
He again reiterated that aside from the US providing regional security in the Pacific, it would gain more from economic development with America’s private sector assistance.
“So you know, we need to encourage US investment to the Pacific…building on that five hours from every major city in Asia, why not make Palau a center for US businesses doing business in Asia, we don’t have to be like Singapore, we can be a mini Singapore,” Whipps said.
He also said it can be encouraging for US businesses that Palau, RMI, and FSM have that special Compact of Free Association ties that they should consider moving their headquarters to the Micronesian region.
The president also highlighted the US continues assistance to Palau and the Pacific especially in addressing climate change. (Island Times)