The introduction in the US Congress of a law for a renewal until 2035 of the Haitian Hemisphere Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement program and the Haitian Economic Lift Program (Economic recovery program in Haiti) HOPE/HELP, is the result of the sustained work of the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH) in collaboration with the Center for Facilitation of Investments (CFI ) for the development of the clothing sector in Haiti where more than 56,000 jobs are concerned.

US Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced legislation to re-authorize HOPE / HELP programs that expire in September 2025 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35338-haiti-news-zapping.html. The bill would ensure that the benefits of these two essential programs are maintained until 2035.

The HOPE Act, introduced as a response to an economic downturn in Haiti in 2005, removes duties from Haitian apparel exports to the United States. The HELP Act, passed by Congress following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, broadens the types of goods eligible for duty free status to over 5,000 types of apparel and footwear. Together, HOPE and HELP apply to roughly 93 percent of Haitian exports to the U.S. and employs more than 56,000 Haitians. Apparel factories in Haiti are a crucial source of stable economic employment in the country.

éAs Haiti continues to confront political corruption, natural disasters, and rampant crime, it is clear that it is in our national security interest to support our regional neighbor,é Rubio said. éThis bipartisan bill will help strengthen Haiti’s economy and benefit the U.S. by decreasing our nation’s dependency on goods manufactured with forced labor in China. Our mutual benefit will encourage safety and prosperity in our hemisphere.é

"Families in Haiti are desperate following repeated natural disasters and unrest," Cassidy said. "Extending trade benefits is good for the U.S., provides the starving Haitian people with needed resources, and will help stem the exodus from the island."

"In 2021 alone, the Haitian people have suffered a devastating earthquake, the assassination of their president, emboldened criminal gangs, and an ever-growing economic crisis," Representative Salazar said. "The HELP Extension Act will allow the Haitian people to improve their livelihoods and rebuild their country by ensuring the 60,000+ Haitians in the textile industry continue to enjoy the benefits of unfettered trade with the United States. As one of our closest allies in the Western Hemisphere, we have an obligation to ensure the wellbeing of our Haitian neighbors. That is why I am proud to introduce this crucial bill."

See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34943-icihaiti-washington-adih-meeting-with-haitian-ambassador-bocchit-edmond.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34484-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34087-haiti-economy-the-clothing-sector-partners-with-ifc-to-stimulate-the-growth-of-the-sector.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31873-haiti-usa-the-house-of-representatives-voted-the-law-renewing-the-provisions-of-the-cbtpa.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31797-haiti-usa-the-future-of-the-textile-assembly-industry-in-haiti-in-danger.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-31220-icihaiti-cite-soleil-320-young-operators-certified-on-industrial-sewing-machines.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30053-haiti-economy-the-textile-sector-has-lost-nearly-3-000-jobs.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20818-haiti-economy-textile-sector-could-create-300-000-jobs-in-8-years.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-17643-icihaiti-industry-did-you-know.html

HL/ HaitiLibre