Economic Opportunities and Coordination in Haiti

On May 10, 2024, AmCham board members and the Executive Director met with the Economic Section of the American Embassy to discuss economic opportunities related to the upcoming MSS Mission. The meeting focused on how local Haitian businesses could support the mission by providing products and services, including translation, laundry, and waste management.

The embassy expressed interest in assessing the capabilities of Haitian enterprises and exploring partnerships for MSS procurement. Mr. Hilbergt emphasized the need for clear communication about what is expected from AmCham members and their potential contributions to the mission.

Logistics and security were key topics, particularly regarding the readiness of airports and the potential influx of people and goods. While plans for reopening airports were discussed, there were no updates on flight availability from airlines like American Airlines and JetBlue.

The meeting also addressed broader economic issues, including inflation and supply chain disruptions. The importance of prioritizing local supplies to support Haiti’s economic recovery was highlighted, with an emphasis on balancing humanitarian aid with the need to avoid displacing local products with imports.