With a limited labour pool, islands in Micronesia could look to each other to augment their local workforces.
The construction industry has boosted the economy and employment rates Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
This view was presented by the economic adviser to the Northern Marianas governor, Matthew Deleon Guerrero, at the 23rd Micronesia Islands Forum on Saipan.
He said one primary area of vulnerability in the CNMI that prevented its continued growth was the lack of labour.
Building regional co-operation on labour shortages could allow the CNMI to help other Micronesian islands in meeting their needs, Mr Guerrero said.
This level of co-operation could establish a stronger region and closer political and social ties, he said.
The forum has also discussed workforce development, invasive species, recycling, and transportation.
