Economic Recovery: Challenges and Perspectives

On March 13, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti (AmCham) hosted a policy dialogue titled “Economic Recovery: Challenges and Perspectives” at the Karibe Convention Center. The event brought together key stakeholders from the private and public sectors, including Mr. Laurent Saint-Cyr, private sector representative of the Presidential Council.

The forum addressed the pressing economic challenges facing Haiti in the aftermath of the ongoing security crisis and explored practical solutions for revitalization. AmCham Executive Director Erika Rosenthal opened the event by emphasizing the importance of establishing clear post-crisis economic priorities.

The panel featured high-level participants, including:

Alfred Métellus, Minister of Economy and Finance

James Monazard, Minister of Commerce and Industry

Pierre-Marie Boisson, Economist

Ronald Gabriel, Governor of the Central Bank (BRH)

A central theme throughout the discussion was the importance of close collaboration between the public and private sectors to restore economic activity. Mr. Boisson advocated for boosting consumption through humanitarian spending and investments in infrastructure. Minister Métellus highlighted solutions to improve access to foreign currency and broadband internet, including the use of debit cards and expanding fiber-optic networks.

Governor Gabriel announced a revision of the BRH’s monetary agenda to support growth and job creation, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are critical to employment and poverty reduction. He also mentioned the expansion of the Booster PME program to additional regions to spur local economic development.

Minister Monazard stressed that job creation is a fundamental lever to reverse the country’s six-year economic downturn. He highlighted several initiatives under review or implementation by the Ministry, including support for youth entrepreneurship through the Youth Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAPEJ) and partnerships between students in finance/economics and SMEs benefiting from government assistance. He also underscored opportunities in the craft and tourism sectors and the strategic importance of renewing the HOPE/HELP legislation.

The Minister noted that two major regions of the country would soon benefit from infrastructure development to support investment projects an important step toward regional growth and opportunity. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to market regulation, local business support, investment attraction, and fostering a stable and competitive business environment.

The discussions underscored the urgent need for investment in strategic sectors such as energy, security, and tourism. While the Central Bank’s initiatives reflect a commitment to economic development, their success will depend on effective implementation and strong public-private cooperation key to advancing Haiti’s recovery and long-term growth.