Ambassador of Canada in Haiti Paula Caldwell St-Onge discussed Friday at 4th conference of the National Association of Haitian Professionals (NAHP) in Miami, the topic "Advocacy and unification of Haiti with its Diaspora."

For the Ambassador, topic is of great importance, because she is, like all of us, witness of the special bond between the Haitian Diaspora in Canada and their home country Haiti, illustrated by Dany Laferrière, Michaëlle Jean, Fabienne Colas etc... "They are some shining examples of the links that exist between Haiti and Canada."

According to her, members of the diaspora play a key role in the Haitian economy especially through the numerous transfers they often make.

" anada's actions focus on the promotion of economic activity at the local level, its growth and the establishment of an environment conducive to both Haitian and foreign investment.

In order to do so, Canada has supported the Haitian government in the adoption of laws that guarantee this type of environment, it helped build the Cayes-Jeremie road to facilitate the trades in the South area, set up an agricultural financing system with the help of international and local partners which has allowed $12.3 million credits to more than 9,600 Haitian agri-entrepreneurs from 2011 to 2014 to stimulate local production.

Canadian efforts also allowed for more than 440,000 Haitians to access credit for medium-sized enterprises. In addition, in collaboration with the Haitian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and other partners, it has worked to strengthen the ties between the Haitian and Canadian private sectors through trade activities."

Ambassador Paula Caldwell St-Onge announced that Canada will now put sustainable economic growth at the center of their actions to contribute to the economic development of Haiti. Our efforts will be aimed at :

• Improving access to credit and other financial services;

• Supporting improvements in the business climate and land titling;

• Supporting the development of key industries such as agriculture, mining, tourism and manufacturing; and

• Strengthening the capacity, independence and accountability of economic entities, including municipalities.

HL/ HaitiLibre