Meeting with CLADEC and DHL Advancing Customs Modernization: AmCham Haiti Meets with CLADEC and DHL

On April 28, Mrs Andress Appolon, President of AmCham Haitii met with representatives of the Latin American and Caribbean Conference of Express Transportation Companies (CLADEC) and DHL Express to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding customs modernization in Haiti and its impact on the country’s business environment.

The meeting focused on the need to accelerate reforms aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency, and predictability of customs procedures. Participants highlighted the importance of implementing key provisions already included in Haiti’s 2023 Customs Code, particularly those related to the digitalization of customs operations, electronic data transmission, electronic payments, and the simplification of administrative processes.

Representatives from CLADEC and DHL shared regional best practices and emphasized that modern customs systems are essential for facilitating trade, reducing costs for businesses, improving government revenue collection, and strengthening a country’s competitiveness. They noted that efficient customs procedures are increasingly viewed as a critical factor in attracting investment and supporting economic growth.

The discussion also addressed the challenges faced by companies operating in Haiti, including delays in customs clearance, administrative bottlenecks, and the need for greater predictability in trade operations. Participants agreed that closer collaboration between the public and private sectors is necessary to ensure that future reforms respond to the realities of businesses while supporting national development objectives.

This meeting forms part of AmCham Haiti’s broader advocacy efforts to promote reforms that improve the ease of doing business, facilitate commerce, and strengthen Haiti’s integration into regional and international markets. The Chamber continues to work with local and international partners to encourage policies that support a more modern, efficient, and competitive trade environment.