During the 14th edition of « Mardis de la Nation », the Minister of Commerce and Industry, James Monazard, presented his institution's new economic directions. This intervention, part of the vision of Alix Didier Fils-Aimé's government, marks a strategic turning point in favor of entrepreneurship, industrial modernization, and consumer protection.
A Strategy Focused on Inclusive Recovery
Minister James Monazard structured his intervention around four major axes: support for entrepreneurship, industrial transformation, market regulation, and the digitalization of public services. According to him, economic recovery can only be sustainable if it is inclusive and adapted to local realities.
Among the key measures announced:
- The launch of the Women's Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAEF) in the South, an initiative aimed at promoting women's economic empowerment.
- The strengthening of the Youth Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAPEJ), which has already supported 41 businesses last May.
- Targeted funding for artisanal sectors, particularly tailoring and shoemaking, via the Industrial Development Fund (FDI).
Micro Industrial Parks: A New Economic Model
The minister highlighted an innovative model of mixed general partnerships, integrating farmers, artisans, and local communities. These structures will be the pillars for the development of Micro Industrial Parks, conceived as decentralized and inclusive production hubs.
This approach aims to foster local job creation, strengthen rural value chains, and promote balanced economic development across the country.
Strong Regulatory Measures
To protect consumers and sanitize the market, the MCI plans a significant reinforcement of controls:
- An increase in the number of field inspectors.
- The establishment of an alert number (106) to report abuses or dangerous products.
- The implementation of mandatory bilingual labeling for better transparency of product information.
- Particular emphasis will be placed on strategic products such as water, gas, and fuels.
Digitalization and Administrative Simplification
Minister Monazard welcomed the registration of over 5,800 businesses via the ministry's new digital platform. He also announced the upcoming implementation of an online single window, aimed at simplifying administrative procedures for entrepreneurs and investors.
Furthermore, an online professional card renewal system is under development, as part of the state's modernization strategy.
Economic Diplomacy: The HOPE/HELP Act at the Heart of Concerns
In a context of global economic uncertainty, the minister highlighted the diplomatic efforts deployed by the Haitian government to renew the American HOPE/HELP Act, essential for the proper functioning of the textile sector. This legislation allows Haiti to export textile products to the United States with preferential tariff advantages.
Maintaining this regime is crucial to preserve the thousands of jobs generated by textile factories, mainly located in the north and the metropolitan area.
An Asserted Political Will
In summary, Minister Monazard's speech reveals a coherent economic recovery strategy, based on empowering local actors, transparency in commercial practices, technological innovation, and openness to investment.
If the announced measures are effectively implemented, they could constitute a major turning point for the Haitian economy, particularly in a context marked by multiple crises and a strong demand for concrete results.
The ball is now in the public administration's court, which will have to combine efficiency, inter-institutional coordination, and accountability to transform this vision into reality.
By Gesly Sinvilier
