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11/19/2025 - The Department of Commerce aims to open the one-stop Business Permitting Center on or before Dec. 15, 2025, after Gov. David M. Apatang established the entity through an executive order last Nov. 18. Marianas Press learned that the center will be located at the old CNMI Medicaid Office on Capitol Hill.
In the executive order, Apatang said the center will streamline business permitting processes.
“Businesses currently face multiple, fragmented procedures and agency requirements for obtaining permits, licenses, and clearances, resulting in unnecessary administrative burdens, delays, and costs,” the governor said.
Apatang designated the Department of Commerce as the lead agency to create the hub for all business-related permits, licenses, and clearances required by law.
The executive order also allows the center to provide online access to information, forms, and application tracking. It gives the Commerce secretary 30 days from the date of the EO's signing to operationalize the center.
Rep. Thomas John Manglona issued the following statement after Apatang’s EO: “Since I’ve been in office, I’ve introduced legislation to get this off the ground more than once, but I believe this is an initiative that is coming solely from the Executive Branch, so I haven’t had a chance to review this quite yet. However, I welcome any efforts to streamline our business license processes and provide more convenience for our business community. This will only help foster more growth in our economy and make it easier for our current businesses to continue doing business in the Commonwealth. I do hope they are also planning to integrate an online portal, which will only provide further convenience for our business owners who are comfortable with the use of technology. I want to express my appreciation to Gov. Apatang and Lt. Gov. Mendiola for their efforts in helping move the CNMI forward.”
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce also applauded the effort. "As president of the Chamber, I have consistently heard from our business community about the challenges posed by the current permitting system," Chamber president Joseph Guerrero said. "The creation of the Business Permitting Center is a direct response to these concerns and demonstrates the administration's commitment to fostering a more enabling environment for investment and entrepreneurship. We are especially pleased to see the emphasis on interagency cooperation and the planned establishment of both a physical and an online presence for the center."
Report by Thomas Manglona II
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