Minister Monazard Urges Diaspora Investment at Haitian American Business Summit

On October 31, 2026, James Monazard, Minister of Commerce and Industry, participated in the second edition of the Haitian American Business Summit, organized by the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce under the theme "Rebuilding Haiti Through Business, Trade & Diaspora Leadership," according to haitilibre.com. Speaking on the panel "From Haitian Production to the U.S. Marketplace," Monazard advocated leveraging Haiti's productive potential to boost exports, attract investment, and create sustainable jobs. He acknowledged that security constraints, difficulties accessing energy and financing, inadequate logistical infrastructure, and supply chain disruptions continue to weigh on business competitiveness, but cited Haiti's proximity to the U.S. market, its textile experience, agricultural potential, and artisanal expertise as key strengths. Monazard called for diversifying the productive base beyond textiles into agribusiness, agricultural processing, handicrafts, and manufacturing, provided products meet quality, packaging, traceability, and regulatory standards. He highlighted the Regional Caravan for the Formalization and Revitalization of Commerce and Entrepreneurship, launched October 16th across the country's ten departments, which aims to support the formalization and training of at least 5,000 businesses. Addressing the diaspora directly, the minister said its contribution extends beyond financial remittances to a network of skills, businesses, and investment opportunities, urging stronger bridges between Haiti-based producers and Haitian entrepreneurs in the United States.