Overview

Due to the small population in FSM service provision is basic with only a small number of companies specialising in each sector. Most businesses have been long established and operate reliably and successfully. Whilst most services an agency would require are available in Pohnpei there is little capacity for surge demand and services are limited in the other island states and generally non existent in the outer islands.

For more information on company contact details, please see the following link: 4.11 Micronesia Additional Services Contact List

Accommodation

There is a small but reasonable range of hotel accommodation in Pohnpei however the range becomes more limited in Chuuk Yap and Kosrae. Facilities are 2-4 stars and are generally clean and tidy and offer restaurant service. Security is ok.

While not extensive, in all the state capitals, apartments and houses can be rented on a monthly, 6 monthly or annual basis but availability is coming under increasing pressure as expat numbers increase and a significant influx of humanitarian agencies would be problematical.

Accommodation on the outer islands is significantly more limited. There are no hotels, guesthouses or rental accommodation.

Further information can be found at https://visit-micronesia.fm/

Electricity and Power

Electricity is diesel generated in all states by the states governments with fuel supplied by FSMPC and is a priority supply. Generated electricity is based on the US system and is 110 Volts. Unplanned outages are rare

Current estimates (Department of Resources & Development) indicate the following percentages of households having electricity Pohnpei 95%, Kosrae 98%, Yap 85%, Chuuk 30%.  

State grids to not extend to outer islands. The European Union and Asian Development Bank have been assisting with funding for solar electricity supply units progressively to the outer islands. At State level an Energy Working Group reports to the National government to facilitate the ongoing solar power generation rollout to domestic users.

(Source: FSM Department of Resources and Development)

Financial Service Providers

There are 2 financial service institutions in FSM, Bank of FSM, and Bank of Guam offer banking and credit services in all 4 state capitals.

Western Union and MoneyGram are available for money transfer services.

There are 3 or 4 CPA’s throughout the FSM but no international accountancy firms.

Bank of Guam

A public Company, it has been operating since 1972

FSM Development Bank (FSMDB)

FSMDB is a subcomponent unit of the National Government, the current shareholders are the National Government, Chuuk State Government and Kosrae State Government. It commenced operations in 1980

For more information on company contact details, please see the following link: 4.11 Micronesia Additional Services Contact List

Clearing and Forwarding Agents

In all states stevedore and terminal service operators provide clearance services.

However primarily the shipping companies and shipping agents offer forwarding and clearance services. Matson Shipping and Kyowa Shipping Lines both have offices and in all four states.

Construction, Material Handling & Power Generation Equipment

Construction, material handling & power generation equipment of any scale is not available to purchase in the FSM. Hand tools and small (up to 3 kVa) generators can be purchased from hardware stores in the main centres (it should be noted in the case of generators they are not stocked in large numbers and restocking will take up to a month shipping time however delays from manufacturers/ origin suppliers may be many months). In Pohnpei Ace Equipment rental can supply forklifts, cranes and ready-mix cement and a range of generators up to 100 kVa in very limited quantities. Restocking of these items in case of surge demand may take up to 6 months as a result of current Covid affected supply chain issues. These larger items of plant are not available in the other states.

Federated Shipping has handling equipment consisting on forklifts ranging from (3 – 28 MT in Pohnpei and at the smaller end of the range in other states) that could be used for a humanitarian action on an adhoc basis

Due to the large number of imported goods pallets are readily available.

Postal and Courier Services

Mail: As a government agency, the FSM Postal Services was established in 1983, primarily to provide and deliver the postal operations and services as well as to sell stamps and other philatelic products within the FSM and throughout the world. The FSM Postal Services is comprised of three major divisions which continue to carry out their related but different functions. In addition to deliver and expand the services to the FSM States and their outlying areas, there are four main Post Offices and several branches that have been established in those respective areas. The US Postal Service services FSM as a domestic destination. There are post offices in each state capital. The main office is Pohnpei. Mail is received by Asia Pacific Airlines Cargo and United Airlines service twice weekly to each state capital.

Couriers:  USPS is handled by the FSM Postal Service, DHL, UPS and FedEx also have agents in each of the 4 states.

DHL       http://www.dhl.com/en/gu/country_profile/service_point_locations_express.html

 FedEx   http://www.fedex.com/fm/contact/index.html

Printing and Publishing

There are limited numbers of printing and publishing services available in Pohnpei and Kosrae  that also provide digital printing, screen printing copying, binding and laminating.  

Taxi Companies

There are multiple taxi companies operating around Pohnpei. Services in Chuuk are available around the town centre. Yap and Kosrae have a very limited service. Where available they are safe and reliable.

Taxis cost about USD 1.00 for a 1-3 Km ride and USD 4 for a 5-10 Km ride.

Vehicle & Equipment Maintenance/Workshops

The maintenance and repair services of vehicles and appliances are limited. All products and parts are imported, and there are typically no authorized service networks for those imported goods.

As for auto services, small local auto garages and body shops mainly provide unpredictable maintenance and repair services. Napa Auto Parts has provided maintenance and repair parts through its distribution channels in the four states. Second-hand parts are also used widely.

Most appliances, such as power generators, air conditioners and refrigerators, cannot be repaired onsite and must often be replaced with new ones. Some appliance wholesalers and specialized service providers offer less sophisticated maintenance and repair services with limited capacity. Some freelance technicians (habitually foreigners) also provide maintenance and repair services for some appliances.

Vehicle Rental

There are multiple vehicle rental companies throughout the state capitals it I also possible to rent a private taxi or vehicle for a mutually agreed amount for several days or a longer period.

Vehicle rental cost approx. USD $75.00 per day.

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.