11 Feb 2008

Optimism about economic outlook for Northern Marianas

11:51 am on 11 February 2008

In the Northern Marianas, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce's president, James Arenovski, remains optimistic about the CNMI economy.

The islands' economy has taken a battering over the past couple of years due to the exit of Japan Airlines and the pullout of the garment industry, once the Commonwealth's bread and butter.

Mr Arenovsky, who is also the president of Delta Management Corporation, says there continues to be some rays of hope with opening of several businesses on island

He says the new businesses will provide new job opportunities and business for wholesalers.

He also says the positive developments of the past few months are evident with new charter flights from Russia, resumed charter flights from China and promised charter flight to Rota.