OPIC held a luncheon where the CEO of OPIC, Elizabeth Littlefield explained on the different products OPIC could offer. In addition, Mrs. Littlefield voiced her intention to double OPIC’s loan portfolio to Haiti over the next 3 years. OPIC currently has about $70 million in loans to Haiti as of the end of December 2012.
US Ambassador Pamela White also attended the luncheon and explained how OPIC could play a role in Haiti’s development with firms seeking financing or political risk insurance.
Amcham President, Philippe Armand, explained his experience in obtaining financing for one of his ventures recently with HT Beton. The process is very thorough and took about 4 months before the company obtained the capital for its expansion plans.
The event was well attended and many participants were eager to understand the difference between OPIC and a bank, the terms for OPIC financing and to go through the process. The room was practically filled to capacity and shows the need for financing by the private sector in Haiti.
