Last Friday on the sidelines of a reception in his private residence in honor of the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti (AMCHAM), the United States Ambassador accredited to Haiti Kenneth Merten declared :

"...I know very well the capabilities of the AMCHAM to bring the change, that Haitians want and Haiti needs. The past week, with announcements of investments such as Marriott, Nestle and the laying of the cornerstone at Industrial Park at Caracol, was a successful week, it seems that the time moment encourages to undertake business in Haiti. [...] The U.S. Government invested more than $24 million dollars in the region north of the country to provide electricity, build homes, ehabilitate infrastructuree of portand strengthen the health system this project will create 20.000 jobs [...] the U.S. Government will continue its work, in order to support the Haitian Government's vision for the future, focusing on priority sectors, including agriculture, governance, rule of law, public health and infrastructure. [...]

The investments of the company SAE-A and Marriott among others are a victory for Haiti, but Haiti needs more victories. I say "victory" between quotes, because Haiti is competing with countries around the world, who seek also to create jobs for their people. Investors not only have the choice between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Haiti is in competition with countries like China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nicaragua and many more... Many of these countries were more effective that Haiti during the past 20 years in their strategies to attract investment and implement key reforms favorable to business.

I applaud the initiative taken by the President Martelly with the Presidential Advisory Council on Economic Growth and Investment, this will keep people focused on the opportunities that exist here. The next step must be to respect the promises made for the strengthening of the Centre for Facilitation of Investment and ensure that its follows the investments aggressively.

The Haitian people can not afford to lose opportunities, losing good jobs for the benefit of others. The laws that may facilitate starting a business, obtaining building permits and secure legal title deeds must be submitted to Parliament as a priority, to be voted. I know that the President Martelly and his Government understand these needs, and I hope they will succeed [...] My colleagues at the Embassy and I regularly receive companies looking to start operations in Haiti [...]

The true transformative change in Haiti can only be achieved hrough much greater private sector investment. The investment is the real key to make the Haitian people more prosperous, which will allow the Haitian Nation in return, to be more independent and sovereign. I understand that certain Haitians complain that Haiti is, as it is called, the Republic of NGOs and others also call for the departure of the Minustah. Although I understand the sentiments expressed, let's be clear on one point, so that Haiti be truly able to take its destiny in hand, so that the Haitian government is able to fulfill its responsibilities towards the people of Haiti, the Haitian government must have money , for a greater police force and to support social services that are currently provided by NGOs and United Nations, there is no other way.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-4376-haiti-economy-positive-results-for-the-forum-invest-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-3766-haiti-economy-launch-of-the-presidential-consultative-council.html

S/ HaitiLibre

"