Northern Mariana Islands Economy and Business

• GDP: US$633.4 million (2000).
• Main exports: Garments.
• Main imports: Food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products.
• Main trade partners: USA and Japan.

Fruit, vegetables, beef and pork are produced in commercial quantities, with some being exported. Fisheries and copra (coconut meat) are other important industries in the agricultural sector. Manufacturing is dominated by textile production.

The economy is dominated overall, however, by the service sector, of which tourism is the principal component. The establishment of an air link with Japan gave a major boost to this sector. However, the lack of available workers led to the recruitment of large numbers of foreign workers (which accounts for the huge growth in the islands’ population).

Bilateral aid from the USA is still an important source of income for the government, particularly monies earmarked to develop the islands’ infrastructure. However, funding is declining as locally generated revenues have grown.

The Northern Marianas is a member of the Pacific Community.

Saipan Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 500806 CK, Saipan, MP 96950, Northern Mariana Islands
Tel: 233 7150.
Website: www.saipanchamber.com