APCAC Mission Statement

APCAC’s mission is to improve the competitiveness of U.S. business in the Asia-Pacific region.

APCAC members combine their resources and knowledge to develop a common understanding of regional issues, problems and concerns facing the American business community in Asia-Pacific. Member chambers communicate on an ongoing basis and gather annually, in March, to discuss and adopt positions on priority issues. A strategy is developed for expressing and giving effect to our opinions on each issue. APCAC identifies organizations with mutual interests and pursues a course of action to disseminate and communicate our positions to relevant governments and other organizations.

APCAC meets annually with U.S. Government decision-makers during a “Washington Doorknock” in June, when APCAC’s chairman leads a delegation to the Nation’s Capital. Meetings are held with leaders of Congress and senior members of the Administration. APCAC’s annual trip increases the U.S. Government’s awareness of American business activities and concerns in the region. Mutually beneficial relationships are established, and areas of cooperation are identified. APCAC is well-received at the highest levels.

In addition, during the course of the year, APCAC delegations meet with U.S. government and business leaders visiting the Asia-Pacific region to discuss trade and investment issues that affect the competitiveness of American business. APCAC also maintains regular communication with high-level host country government officials through its member AmChams.

APCAC issues include: support for Trade Promotion Authority and free trade agreements; taxation of U.S. citizens working abroad (section 911 tax exclusion); removal of technical and administrative barriers to trade; opposition to unilateral sanctions and other trade and investment issues.

Saipan Chamber of Commerce

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce started even before the political status of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) was defined in 1978. Towards the end of 1959, a group of entrepreneurial businessmen got together to form a loose association of businesses. Today, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce is the largest private business organization in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. With over 140 business members, the Chamber is an association aligned to make a difference in the Commonwealth community.