CEDA positions The Marianas, USA, as a strategic investment bridge connecting the United States and the Asia-Indo-Pacific region

The Commonwealth Economic Development Authority (CEDA) showcased The Marianas, USA, as a strategic bridge connecting the United States and the Asia-Indo-Pacific region at the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit.

Held in National Harbor, Maryland, SelectUSA is the nation’s premier investment summit. This year’s event drew more than 5,500 attendees from 100 countries and 55 U.S. states and territories, providing CEDA a global platform to promote The Marianas as a U.S. jurisdiction positioned to connect mainland U.S. markets with investors and opportunities throughout the Asia-Indo-Pacific.

CEDA highlighted The Marianas’ value to regional investors seeking access to the United States and to U.S. investors pursuing growth in the Asia-Indo-Pacific. The message was especially relevant to manufacturers, a priority sector for CEDA because of their potential to create jobs and drive economic activity.

CEDA emphasized several competitive advantages, including The Marianas’ control over its customs territory; trade and tariff benefits; exemption from the Merchant Marine Act, also known as the Jones Act; Made in the USA labeling advantages; manufacturer exemptions from excise, export, and BGR taxes on exported products; strategic access to U.S. and Asia-Indo-Pacific markets; income tax rebates; qualifying certificate tax incentives; no U.S. federal customs duties at ports in The Marianas; duty-free entry into the US market; flexible labor options, including a U.S. educated workforce, uncapped H Visa program that is not subject to a lottery, and the CW Visa program which is the only foreign worker program in the United States; the Economic Incentive District; U.S. laws and court systems; no property taxes; and other benefits.

The outreach generated investor interest across multiple industries and expanded awareness among U.S. embassies and trade offices about the opportunities available in The Marianas.

CEDA continues to follow up with investors from SelectUSA and prior outreach efforts. At the invitation of the U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Service Office, CEDA has promoted The Marianas in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, and the United States. CEDA has also been invited to exhibit at a major event in Japan and has received invitations to promote The Marianas in Europe, including the United Kingdom and Italy, as well as Turkey, India, South America, and other markets—underscoring growing investor interest beyond the region.

CEDA’s goal is to rebuild and diversify the economy by attracting new industries that create high-quality, higher-paying U.S. jobs. These industries can strengthen consumption, support population growth, expand the tax base, and spur supply chain and indirect employment opportunities. CEDA is particularly focused on high-tech manufacturing sectors that are not labor intensive and can provide workers with valuable, transferable skills.

Diversifying beyond tourism remains a critical priority for The Marianas. Through CEDA’s efforts, The Marianas has generated significant investment interest across multiple industries and is close to establishing two new industries. CEDA will continue pursuing long-term investor partnerships that support economic resilience and opportunity for the people of The Marianas. With community and government support, these efforts have the potential to reshape the economic future of The Marianas.