July 15, 2003
Press Release
July 15, 2003 Press Release |
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CNMI Resident Representative to the United States, Pedro A. Tenorio recently received a report from the Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association outlining improvements within the Saipan apparel industry over the past six years.
The report is meant to aid the CNMI Washington, D.C. office’s work with United States congressional leaders pertaining to industry issues.
The voluminous 170 page “Saipan Apparel Industry Report,” which was also provided to Gov. Juan N. Babauta, House Speaker Heinz S. Hofschneider, Senate President Paul A. Manglona and local media outfits, chronologically outlines the numerous improvements in the factories of Saipan which have gained national attention over the years.
SGMA Chairman James C. Lin stated: “We feel that in Resident Representative Tenorio’s attempt to secure a non-voting delegate seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, he must answer many questions that still linger in Washington about our industry. It is our intention to give him the most accurate and up to date information to answer any and all inquiries.”
The report clearly defines the industry’s history and offers – that nearly all improvements within the Saipan apparel industry have come as a result of the individual companies’ initiative, the association’s efforts, federal and local law enforcement activities, partnerships built between the factories and governmental authorities, and apparel buyers and retailers’ demands and directives in America.”
The Apparel Industry Partnership (AIP) programmed by former President Bill Clinton, the SGMA Code of Conduct’s development and implementation, industry training and education, independent monitoring, the OSHA/SGMA Excellence 2000 Partnership for occupational safety improvement, and the newly formed CNMI Garment Industry Monitoring Program are listed as contributing to the changed face of the often misrepresented local garment industry.
Industry spokesman Richard A. Pierce commented: “Even the class action lawsuits effectuated positive change. Although the factories spent more on improvements in education and actual capitol improvements to make this a safe place to do business than they did in settling the lawsuits, it all adds up to making Saipan’s factories some of the best in the world.”
“We expect the CNMI Garment Industry Monitoring Plan, provided for by the U.S. District Court, to demonstrate exactly that,” said Pierce.