The Haitian government has announced a sweeping initiative to bolster the nation’s artisan community through strategic investments and institutional support. During the 19th Annual Handicrafts Festival, Social Affairs and Labor Minister Georges Wilbert Franck, alongside National Handicrafts Office (ONART) Director Angeline C. Jean-Louis, unveiled the ambitious Support for Strengthening the Production Capacity of Haitian Artisans (ARECPAH) project.
The comprehensive plan includes establishing three new government-operated handicraft retail outlets across key regional centers: Les Cayes in the South, Jacmel in the Southeast, and Cap-Haïtien in the North. These physical locations will provide artisans with dedicated venues to showcase and market their traditional creations.
Financial mechanisms form a critical component of the revitalization strategy. Minister Franck confirmed that ONART will administer a specialized credit line designed to help artisans scale their production capabilities. Additionally, the Ministry is preparing to implement direct subsidy programs for qualified artisans, scheduled to commence by January 2026.
Recognizing the multidimensional challenges facing the sector, the government will establish an inter-ministerial commission incorporating expertise from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Industry, and Tourism. This collaborative body will address fundamental issues including design standardization, international market access, production scalability, and improved packaging and shipping infrastructure.
ONART Director Jean-Louis praised the ministerial efforts, noting that the ARECPAH project positions the agency as an active development partner rather than merely a regulatory body. During the festival, ONART representatives conducted on-site registration drives to enroll artisans in the new support system.
The digital transformation of Haiti’s crafts sector is also underway, with development ongoing for an e-commerce platform that will enable global online sales of Haitian handicrafts. Director Jean-Louis encouraged artisans to utilize ONART’s physical and upcoming digital channels to maximize the commercial potential of their work.