The Department of State presented the findings from the FY 2014 fiscal transparency review process in its Fiscal Transparency Report. This report describes the minimum requirements of fiscal transparency developed by the Department of State in consultation with other relevant federal agencies, identifies governments that are potential beneficiaries of FY 2014 foreign assistance funds, assesses those that did not meet the minimum fiscal transparency requirements, and indicates whether those governments made significant progress towards meeting the requirements.

Fiscal transparency is a critical element of effective public financial management, helps in building market confidence, and sets the stage for economic sustainability. Transparency also provides a window into government budgets for citizens of any country, helping them to hold their leadership accountable.

The Department of State’s fiscal transparency review process assesses whether governments meet minimum requirements of fiscal transparency. The review includes an assessment of the transparency of processes for administering government contracts and licenses for natural resource extraction.

Annual reviews of the fiscal transparency of governments that receive U.S. assistance help ensure U.S. taxpayer money is used appropriately and to sustain a dialogue with governments to improve their fiscal performance, leading to greater macroeconomic stability and better development outcomes.

Haiti is included on the list of "Governments Assessed Pursuant to the Act as not Meeting Minimum Requirements of Fiscal Transparency for FY 2014"

"Although Haiti’s budget is publicly available, the country’s process for granting natural resource contracts lacks transparency and information on natural resources contracts is not published. Haiti’s budget process does not consistently follow the country’s established timetable and does not include earnings from significant state-owned enterprises. Haiti’s fiscal transparency would be enhanced by improving the transparency of its system governing natural resource contracts, more closely following its budget timetable, and improving reporting for state-owned enterprises," the report said.

HL/ SL/ HaitiLibre