The Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas is to proceed with the development of the so-called Silver City project - a residential village for elderly Japanese
Commerce Secretary James Santos, a member of the Tourism Task Force, says some 10 million Japanese people will turn 60 between 2007 and 2010.
He said the CNMI needs to convey the message to them that this is the place where they can reside.
Mr Santos said the proposed village would not be limited to retirees.
He said the project aims to increase tourist arrivals and to bring in quality residents who will be able to help in the economic development of the Commonwealth