SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Economic Development Authority showcased the Marianas as a strategic bridge between the United States and the Asia-Indo-Pacific region at the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit, the agency said.
Held in National Harbor, Maryland, SelectUSA is the nation’s premier investment summit. CEDA said this year’s event drew more than 5,500 attendees from 100 countries and 55 U.S. states and territories, giving the agency a global platform to promote the Marianas as a U.S. jurisdiction positioned to connect mainland markets with investors across the Asia-Indo-Pacific.
CEDA said it highlighted the islands’ value to regional investors seeking access to the United States and to U.S. investors pursuing growth in the Asia-Indo-Pacific, with a particular focus on manufacturers because of their potential to create jobs.
Among the competitive advantages CEDA emphasized were the Marianas’ control over its customs territory, trade and tariff benefits, exemption from the Merchant Marine Act known as the Jones Act, “Made in the USA” labeling advantages, tax exemptions for manufacturers on exported products, no federal customs duties at local ports, duty-free entry into the U.S. market, and flexible labor options including the CW worker program. The agency also cited income tax rebates, qualifying certificate tax incentives, the Economic Incentive District, U.S. laws and courts, and no property taxes.
The agency said the outreach generated investor interest across multiple industries and raised awareness among U.S. embassies and trade offices. At the invitation of the U.S. Commercial Service, CEDA has promoted the Marianas in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan and the U.S., and has received invitations to exhibit in Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey, India, South America and other markets.
CEDA said its goal is to rebuild and diversify the economy beyond tourism by attracting higher-paying industries, with a focus on high-tech manufacturing that is not labor-intensive. The agency said its efforts have generated significant investment interest and that the Marianas is close to establishing two new industries.
