PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Newly appointed Haitian Prime Minister and renowned economist Jean-Max Bellerive today vowed to not only maintain, but further Haiti’s pro-business stance, as the country looks to capitalize on both the domestic as well as international outpouring of business interests looking at investment opportunities in Haiti.
“Our business community is pleased to see that Mr. Bellerive’s focus will be to continue furthering the pro-business direction encouraged by President René Préval,” says Youri Mevs, President of the newly-formed Haitian Economic Development Foundation. “Humanitarian assistance to our country is indeed crucial, but expansion of the business sector in order to create jobs is the long-term solution that will most impact the future of our people.”
Local Business Community Committed to Support Government’s Effort to Stimulate Investment Opportunities
Haiti has recently seen an up-swell in both domestic and international investments, with organizations such as Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines increasing their visibility on the island and announcements from local major enterprises such as WIN Group, which in coordination with the Soros Economic Development Fund, plans to build a $45 million new Free Zone.
Port-au-Prince was also recently the host of a conference organized by the Inter-American Development Bank, aimed at encouraging investment in the garment, agricultural and energy sectors. The conference was attended by hundreds of potential investors, including companies of the stature of Gap, Levi Strauss and American Eagle Outfitters.
A major catalyst to this activity has been the involvement of U.S. President Bill Clinton, whose tireless work as the United Nations Special Envoy to Haiti has not only brought awareness to the country’s plight, but has manifested itself in actual investments.
“We believe that the opportunity before us with the international community as it relates to investment in Haiti is unprecedented,” concludes Mevs. “We want to let the world know that Haiti is truly open for business.”
