The Rota Chamber of Commerce has backed the CNMI’s plea for the U.S. Department of Transportation to exempt the Commonwealth from the current China-U.S flight cap.
Recently, Rota Chamber of Commerce president Steven McCoy wrote a letter addressed to USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg in support of the CNMI’s ask to reinstate Annex VI under the U.S.-China Air Transport Agreement of July 9, 2007.
This reinstatement would essentially exempt the CNMI from USDOT’s China Part 213 Order that caps the number of flights from China to the entire United States and its territories.
“I am writing to you today on behalf of the Rota Chamber of Commerce in strong support of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands recent request. The RCC firmly believes that restoring Annex VI is not only beneficial but essential for the economic revival and sustainability of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) subsequent to the unprecedented global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said McCoy.
McCoy, highlighting the urgent need for action, writes that the suspension and subsequent restrictions on international air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic have disproportionately affected the CNMI and has impacted the CNMI’s recovery efforts.
“The U.S.-China Air Transport Agreement has historically served as a cornerstone for enhancing bilateral ties between the two nations, promoting tourism, cultural exchanges, and economic development. Annex VI has played a pivotal role in enabling direct air services between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the CNMI, significantly contributing to the island’s tourism industry and economic health by making it one of the top tourist destinations for Chinese travelers. The reinstatement of Annex VI is a critical step forward,” he said.
McCoy explains that the reinstatement of Annex VI promises to revive the CNMl’s tourism industry by facilitating unrestricted air services between China and the CNMI, significantly enhancing the island’s economic recovery and long-term sustainability.
“The restoration of Annex VI aligns with the shared objectives of increasing travel and tourism, promoting cultural and business exchanges, and ultimately achieving the full liberalization of the bilateral air transport market between the U.S. and China. We respectfully urge the U.S. Department of Transportation to consider the significant benefits that the reinstatement of Annex VI would bring not only to the CNMI but also to the strength of the relationship between the United States and China through increased connectivity and mutual economic interests,” he said.
EVS-TAP
Meanwhile, McCoy also wrote to U.S Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in regards to the Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program of EVS-TAP.
McCoy says that the establishment of EVS-TAP is a crucial step forward in promoting economic growth, enhancing security measures, and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the CNMI.
“As the only industry in the CNMI, tourism plays a critical role in driving economic activity and sustaining local communities. As such, we must implement measures to facilitate smoother and more secure travel procedures for visitors to our islands. EVS-TAP represents an opportunity to achieve these objectives by enhancing passenger screening processes and providing better compliance with Federal immigration standards,” he said.
By allowing pre-screened nationals of the People’s Republic of China to travel to the CNMI under specified conditions, EVS-TAP will help streamline entry procedures and ensure greater accountability and control over passenger arrivals, McCoy explains.
“The program’s focus on limiting authorized flights to direct routes from China will help mitigate risks associated with overstaying visitors and birth tourism, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the federal immigration system. We commend the efforts of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in initiating the rulemaking process for EVS-TAP and urge prompt action in finalizing and implementing this important program. The establishment of EVS-TAP will not only enhance the CNMl’s economic viability but will also contribute to the overall security and well-being of our islands and communities,” he said.
Back in January, the U.S Department of Homeland Security issued an interim final ruling on the EVS-TAP and ruled in favor of its creation.
The interim final ruling is effective September 2024 to allow time for public comments.
DHS notes that the program is being established based on recommendations pursuant to consultations between the United States and the CNMI under Section 902 of the Covenant to establish the CNMI in political union with the United States of America.
“Once implemented, the CNMI EVS-TAP will allow pre-screened nationals of the People’s Republic of China to travel to the CNMI without a visa under specified conditions,” DHS stated in its order.
https://www.saipantribune.com/news/local/rota-business-group-supports-us-china-flight-cap-exemption/article_c9314a62-1039-11ef-9f00-73264ef3d54c.html