Ethiopian Review

Labor, banking, local government and development officials
joined representatives from USDA in Guam last month for a jobs forum, one of a
number scheduled across America. 
The Obama Administration, through USDA Rural Development and Farm Service Agency staff, is seeking
comments from Americans in all walks of life, including small business owners
and local leaders following a jobs summit at the White House in December.  

Those participating noted that Guam’s economy is separate
from the United States, and closely tied to Japan’s as well as to other Asian
markets.  Transportation costs are
high.  For example, the island of
Rota is just 18 miles from Guam, but those speaking said the cost of shipping
between the islands is the same as the cost of shipping from California to
Guam. 

Officials were told that Guam needs a supply of skilled
labor and more training opportunities. On the plus side, military activity and
service businesses, like restaurants, are economic drivers. Topics that were
discussed to boost the economy include promoting a “buy local” movement,
developing agricultural products for local residents to buy and eat, improving
inter-island infrastructure and becoming a regional educational and business
hub.

The comments received at the meeting, and those posted on
the USDA blog, will be provided to USDA and White House officials for
review.  USDA officials in Hawaii
conducted a jobs meeting yesterday (Wednesday) and another is set for tomorrow
(Friday). 

For a list of scheduled jobs meetings by state or to learn
more, go to the Rural Development
and FSA Job Roundtables Schedule, and the News Release, “USDA
to Host Roundtables on Jobs, Economic Growth”.

Submitted by Wayne
Maloney, Office of Communications