In its economic note of February 2018, the Franco-Haitian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CFHCI) notes that despite "relative stability in terms of exchange rate and inflation and an improvement in the food supply the economy does not take off" underlining the urgency for Haiti to ratify Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).

The CFHCI recalls that during a breakfast / debate organized last February on the theme: "Impact of Free Trade on the Haitian Economy: The Case of Economic Partnership Agreements" the two main speakers Daniel Dorsainvil and the economist Etzer S. Emile, as well as Gregory Brandt, President of the CFHCI and representatives of the Private Sector Economic Forum, Martine Deverson and Bernard Craan insisted on the current state of economic isolation of Haiti and the urgent need trade integration.

The Chamber notes in its note that Haiti has still not ratified, finalized, or implemented trade agreements explaining "For years, Haiti has made economic marronnage and never manages to complete the trade talks. While trade between countries around the world in search of accumulation of wealth and prosperity has grown tremendously, many countries have enriched themselves through trade as is the case for several islands in the sub-region Caribbean including the Dominican Republic.

Haiti has since 2009 signed EPAs without ever having them ratified by Parliament. These trade agreements aim to develop free trade between the European Union (EU) and the so-called ACP countries (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) including Haiti. A real potential framework for trade flows but also for investments between the EU and Haiti. Agreements that must give access to the European market without reciprocity, at least Haiti and other ACP countries must commit to gradually opening up their markets in the coming years. [...] To date, several ACP countries have already ratified the EPAs and the economic benefits for the majority are interesting [...]

Haiti has no interest in not ratifying these agreements. Marronage is not an option. Moreover, not wanting to enter the agreements voluntarily, one finds oneself there involuntarily anyway without the preparations, without strategies and without the defense of its interests. It is of great urgency for the executive, legislative and private business sector to reach a consensus for ratification as soon as possible and at least to prioritize the higher national economic interests in employment, investment, export and growth."

The CFHCI concludes "it is fundamental that a serious and effective fight against smuggling is carried out through effective control mechanisms. Without efficient customs, especially on the border, trade agreements will not be able to have the expected positive effects. These bad practices of corruption far from favoring employment and growth lead to inequalities, high revenue losses and destroy competition."

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23723-haiti-news-zapping.html

HL/ HaitiLibre