Philippines: San Miguel Beer plans to open local brewery

San Miguel Corp., Southeast Asia’s largest publicly listed food, beverage and packaging company wants to open a brewery on Saipan, according to Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, The Marianas Variety Online and Pacific Magazine posted on January 11.

San Miguel Corp., which was founded in Manila in 1890, is interested in increasing its beer exports to the U.S. and considers the CNMI’s duty-free privilege as an incentive to do business here.

San Miguel president Ramon Ang flew in to Saipan aboard his private plane in time for Fitial’s inauguration ceremony on Monday. He returned to Manila on the same day. Fitial also announced on Monday that the father of garment magnate and Saipan Tribune owner Willie Tan, is also interested in expanding their business interests in the Northern Marianas.

“Dr. Tan Siu Lin wants to put more investment money into the commonwealth,” said Fitial, a former executive of Tan Holdings. Tan Siu Lin is the board chairman of Tan Holdings.

Fitial said there are two shipping-related firms that will open their offices on Saipan. One is into the repair and building of barges and the other is into the dry-docking business, he said.

Fitial said his administration is only dealing with “serious investors” interested in helping rebuild the local economy. He admitted that many people may be skeptical about his “economic roadmap” for the CNMI.

“People are skeptical (and) we can understand why some people are reluctant to believe in our administration, but we ask you to support our administration and have faith. Believe me, it can be done. Give us the chance to govern. We need a united not a divided commonwealth,” he said.

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