1 Dec 2011

Guam wants in on CNMI China tourism deal

4:55 pm on 1 December 2011

Guam's governor Eddie Calvo is seeking endorsement from the President of the Federated States of Micronesia for Guam's efforts to be part of the China visa-waiver programme.

The Pacific Daily News reports Mr Calvo has written to President Emanuel Mori, asking for support in his talks with the US Departments of the Interior, Homeland Security, State and Defense.

The FSM has the strongest diplomatic regional links with China.

Mr Calvo says it doesn't make sense that the Northern Marianas has parole authority for the China visa-waiver program, whereas Guam, the other US territory in Micronesia, does not.

Talks between Guam's government and federal officials haven't yet convinced Washington that more Chinese tourists entering Guam is a good thing for the US economy.

The governor says the US government has an opportunity to reduce federal spending on Guam and in Micronesia by allowing the economies of Micronesia to grow through Chinese tourism into Guam.