As part of the implementation of the Government's strategic priorities, James Monazard, the Minister of Trade and Industry (MCI), held a technical meeting with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to consolidate the foundations for enhanced cooperation in investment and entrepreneurial development.

This meeting is part of an initiative to support the government's efforts in economic recovery by strengthening public policies dedicated to trade, investment, and entrepreneurship. It also provided an opportunity to highlight UNCTAD's recognized expertise in assisting developing countries, particularly in formulating and implementing strategies that promote inclusive and sustainable growth.

Minister Monazard reaffirmed the central role of promoting investment and entrepreneurship development as key drivers of government action. These guidelines translate into the implementation of structuring programs aimed at strengthening the national entrepreneurial ecosystem and sustainably improving the business environment.

Three major initiatives were particularly highlighted :

- The Women's Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAEF), dedicated to promoting and strengthening the capacities of women-led businesses;

- The Youth Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAPEJ), aimed at facilitating the economic integration of young people through entrepreneurial support;

- The Entrepreneurial Innovation and University Startup Support Program (AIESU), focused on developing innovation and fostering the emergence of a national startup ecosystem.

In this context, the interventions proposed by UNCTAD, particularly the technical workshops on sustainable and inclusive investment policies and the online training modules on inclusive entrepreneurship, constitute major strategic support for strengthening the institutional capacities of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) and improving the effectiveness of public policies. They will notably strengthen the Ministry's institutional capacities and improve the effectiveness of public policies, with expected direct impacts on the consolidation of the PAEF and PAPEJ programs.

Furthermore, particular emphasis has been placed on the development of the digital economy as a lever for structural transformation. Initiatives aimed at attracting investment in this sector are consistent with the objectives of the Ministry's AIESU program and contribute to building a competitive and resilient innovation ecosystem.

In addition, the Ministry, through the Investment Facilitation Center (CFI), continues to strengthen its institutional promotion mechanisms. The identified areas of intervention include :

- The gradual implementation of the Single Investment Window, with a view to simplifying and digitizing administrative procedures;

- Strengthening the operational capacities of the Investment Center (CFI) in attracting and supporting investors;

- Improving tools for promoting and structuring the national investment offer, and developing strategic analysis and economic intelligence capacities to optimize the identification and development of investment opportunities.

According to the Minister, "holding this meeting paves the way for strengthened cooperation, structured around clearly defined priorities and geared towards concrete results for the benefit of Haiti’s economic development."

HL/ HaitiLibre