Haiti's Commerce Minister Casts Diaspora as Key Lever for Economic Development

James Monazard, Minister of Commerce and Industry (MCI), presented the Haitian diaspora as a strategic lever for the country's economic development during the Annual Business Innovation Summit 2026, organized by the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida at Barry University in Miami on Friday, November 6, 2026, according to haitilibre.com. 'Haiti has no other options than to rely on its diaspora,' he declared before what the outlet described as an enthusiastic audience. Monazard emphasized the determining role of foreign investment in developing the Haitian economy, arguing that the country's current difficulties should not overshadow opportunities for investment and partnership. He highlighted the skills, expertise, professional networks, and the entrepreneurial and financial capacities of the Haitian community as resources capable of promoting value creation, stimulating investment and strengthening the national economic fabric. The minister welcomed the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce's initiative to reflect on current economic issues and recognized the importance of spaces for dialogue among economic actors. He also presented progress on integrating technology into the Ministry's services to modernize public administration and improve service delivery. Monazard reaffirmed an approach placing partnership between the State, the diaspora and the private sector at the heart of Haiti's economic transformation, according to haitilibre.com.