Towards a National School of Commerce: MCI and UNESCO Relaunch Cooperation

The Minister of Commerce and Industry and UNESCO's Resident Representative in Haiti, Éric Violi Bi, met on July 14, 2025, to lay the groundwork for a strengthened partnership. Among the projects discussed: the creation of a National School of Commerce, in addition to support programs for SMEs and youth. On Monday, July 14, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) hosted a UNESCO delegation led by its Resident Representative in Haiti, Mr. Éric Violi Bi. This meeting is part of an effort to revive cooperation between the two institutions, following a period of slowdown. Held in a cordial atmosphere, the meeting addressed several strategic areas of collaboration, including the development of vocational training, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and especially youth empowerment. Particular attention was given to a major project: the creation of a National School of Commerce, a public educational structure aimed at training a new generation of entrepreneurs and private sector executives. This project, according to both parties, would be a concrete response to the needs of an economic sector seeking qualified skills, while offering an alternative to young people looking for quality training and future opportunities. Very satisfied with the discussions, Mr. Éric Violi Bi expressed his commitment to supporting these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation between UNESCO and Haitian institutions to address development challenges. Jacques Innocent