In a significant move to accelerate economic recovery, Haiti’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MCI) has solidified a strategic cooperation framework with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Minister James Monazard convened a technical meeting to establish enhanced collaboration in investment promotion and entrepreneurial development, aligning with the government’s strategic priorities for sustainable growth.
This partnership leverages UNCTAD’s internationally recognized expertise in assisting developing nations, particularly in formulating strategies that foster inclusive and sustainable economic expansion. The collaboration focuses on strengthening public policies dedicated to trade, investment, and entrepreneurship as fundamental pillars of Haiti’s development agenda.
Three flagship initiatives received particular emphasis during the discussions:
The Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAEF), designed to empower female business leaders through capacity building and promotion;
The Youth Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAPEJ), which facilitates economic integration of young Haitians through entrepreneurial guidance;
The Entrepreneurial Innovation and University Startup Support Program (AIESU), focused on cultivating innovation and establishing a robust national startup ecosystem.
UNCTAD will provide strategic technical assistance through specialized workshops on sustainable investment policies and comprehensive online training modules for inclusive entrepreneurship. This support aims to strengthen MCI’s institutional capabilities and enhance the effectiveness of public policies, with direct benefits expected for the PAEF and PAPEJ programs.
Digital economy development emerged as a critical transformation lever, with initiatives to attract investments in this sector complementing the objectives of the AIESU program. Through its Investment Facilitation Center (CFI), the Ministry is implementing several institutional enhancements:
Progressive establishment of a Single Investment Window to streamline and digitalize administrative procedures;
Strengthening CFI’s operational capacities in investor attraction and support;
Enhancing tools for promoting national investment opportunities while developing strategic analysis capabilities.
Minister Monazard characterized the meeting as paving the way for ‘strengthened cooperation, structured around clearly defined priorities and geared toward concrete results for Haiti’s economic development.’