Minister Monazard Encourages Diaspora Investment

James Monazard, Haiti’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, participated in the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce event on October 31, 2026. The summit focused on rebuilding Haiti through business, trade, and diaspora leadership.

During a panel discussion titled "From Haitian Production to the U.S. Marketplace," Monazard emphasized the need for stronger domestic production and better integration into international value chains. He highlighted security constraints, energy access issues, financial difficulties, inadequate logistical infrastructure, and supply chain disruptions as challenges facing Haiti’s businesses but stressed the importance of leveraging proximity to the U.S. market.

Monazard also discussed a Regional Caravan aimed at formalizing and revitalizing commerce and entrepreneurship across Haiti's ten departments. This initiative seeks to support up to 5,000 businesses through simplified administrative procedures.

Addressing the Haitian diaspora, Monazard underscored their strategic role in economic development beyond financial remittances. He noted that diaspora members possess valuable knowledge of U.S. market expectations and regulatory requirements, which can help internationalize Haitian businesses. The minister called for stronger connections between producers based in Haiti and entrepreneurs operating in the United States.

Monazard reaffirmed his commitment to promoting an economy centered on production, processing, and exports. He expressed hope that the summit would foster new collaborations and investments essential for transforming potential into wealth, jobs, and shared prosperity.