On October 31, 2026, James Monazard, Minister of Commerce and Industry, participated in the 2nd edition of the*Haitian American Business Summit, organized by the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce under the theme : Rebuilding Haiti Through Business, Trade & Diaspora Leadership.

Speaking on the panel titled : From Haitian Production to the U.S. Marketplace, he advocated for better leveraging Haiti’s productive potential to boost exports, attract investment, and create sustainable jobs.

"[...] Security constraints, difficulties in accessing energy and financing, inadequate logistical infrastructure, and supply chain disruptions continue to weigh on the competitiveness of our businesses. These challenges are real, and we cannot downplay them. However, they must not cause us to lose sight of our economy’s strengths and potential, most notably its proximity to the U.S. market, its experience in the textile sector, its agricultural potential, and its artisanal expertise."

He emphasized the need to strengthen domestic production and foster better integration of Haitian businesses into international value chains.

"[...] Beyond the textile sector, our ambition is also to promote a gradual diversification of our productive base and national exports. Haiti possesses sectors that deserve further structuring and support—particularly in agribusiness, the processing of agricultural products, handicrafts, and certain manufacturing activities. Products rooted in our local landscape, creativity, and craftsmanship can find a place in international markets, provided they meet the necessary standards for quality, packaging, traceability, and regulatory compliance. In this regard, the U.S. market represents a significant opportunity. However, for this opportunity to translate into concrete economic results, it is essential to better connect Haitian producers with American importers, distributors, commercial networks, and consumers [...]"

He also highlighted the Regional Caravan for the Formalization and Revitalization of Commerce and Entrepreneurship launched on October 16th (https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-48692-regional-caravan-toward-the-formalization-of-5-000-businesses-in-haiti.html). Rolled out across the country’s ten departments, this initiative aims to support the formalization and training of at least 5,000 businesses, particularly those in the informal sector—by simplifying administrative procedures.

Addressing the Haitian diaspora, Monazard underscored its strategic role in national economic development : "I would now like to speak directly to you. Your contribution to Haiti’s economic development is not limited to the financial remittances you send to your families. You also represent a formidable network of skills, businesses, commercial relationships, technical expertise, and investment opportunities.

Through your professional and entrepreneurial activities, you possess valuable insight into the expectations of the U.S. market, consumer habits, regulatory requirements, and distribution channels.

This knowledge is a major asset for supporting the internationalization of Haitian businesses. We must, therefore, strengthen the bridges between producers based in Haiti and Haitian entrepreneurs operating in the United States.

It is not just a matter of encouraging the consumption of Haitian products within our own community. It is also a matter of creating the conditions that will allow these products to access broader commercial networks [...]"

Minister Monazard reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting an economy based on production, processing, and exports. He expressed the hope that this summit would foster new collaborations and concrete investments, noting that Haiti’s economic future depends on its ability to transform its potential into wealth, jobs, and shared prosperity.

HL/ S/ HaitiLibre