HAITI HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES WORKING SESSIONS WITH PM AND MINISTERS
(Defend Haiti) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE – The House Finance and Economy Committee expects to hold a working meeting with Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe and his Minister of Finance next week to go over the 2012-13 budget recently submitted to the Chamber of Deputies, and to obtain answers on ministry spending, or the lack thereof, of funds that were allocated for projects but not spent in the past year.
"We are awaiting a very formal meeting in advance with the prime minister, the minister of economy and finance, and planning, mainly because colleagues have an uneasiness in regards to the budget that was voted, where there was 10 million HTG ($240,000 [US]) put into effect for each commune, and the colleagues say they must know how the disbursements will be done, and when... before they can begin their work." - Antoine Rodon Bien-Aime, Deputy, Chairman House Economy and Finance Committee
The Chairman of the House Economy and Finance Committee, Antoine Rodon Bien-Aime (Carvajal/Inite) said that invitations were sent to the prime minister and other ministers in question to attend the working meeting set for Tuesday, July 10.
Deputy Bien-Aime also mentioned that on Wednesday his committee would be meeting with the political parties, on Thursday with members of civil society, and on Friday with women's organizations, representatives of the state university system and human rights organizations.
The Finance Chairman for the Chamber Deputies announced that on the 17th of July his committee intends to receive every minister of the government.
"Starting on the 17th that is approaching, we will begin to receive every minister seperatly so that they can come tell us what they did with the budget they had in their hands."
"What results do we have? How were the disbursements made? What was disbursed already?..."
"Although I hear of some ministers that have not even disbursed money that they had, and they were given more money on top of that."
"Though the government is in the habit of deciding whether it will raise the money for them [the ministers], it is us who has the power to tell them if they can spend it."
"So we will check if these ministers merit the money. If they do not merit it we will remove the money and put it in ministries that we estimate are getting results and doing their work. If they merit it, we must give it to them." - Antoine Rodon Bien-Aime, Deputy
Showing posts with label Article - Economy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Article - Economy. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
ARTICLE - KOREA - HAITI'S DEVELOPMENT MODEL
HAITI TAKES SOUTH KOREA AS A DEVELOPMENT MODEL
(Haiti Libre) -
As part of his project, which aims to promote the Haitian economy, Wilson Laleau, Minister of Commerce and Industry, received on Monday June 18, a visit of the Ambassador of South Korea, Mr. Chu Uck Kim. The purpose of this meeting was to share the experiences of South Korea in terms of industrial development with the Haitian government.
Ambassador Chou Uck Kim, stated that his country was entirely willing to work with the Government of Haiti, in order to promote the emergence of the Haitian economy. He proposed to the ministries, including to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Planning, to visit and review, the industrial framework of South Korea, to have an overview of their methodology.
Minister Laleau stressed that this strategy to take South Korea as a model, will lead to the realization of .... the creation of decent and sustainable jobs through the development of the industrial and private sector in Haiti.
While thanking South Korea for its support, Mr. Wilson Laleau said he was confident of the positive effect that this initiative will have on the country's economic development.
(Haiti Libre) -
As part of his project, which aims to promote the Haitian economy, Wilson Laleau, Minister of Commerce and Industry, received on Monday June 18, a visit of the Ambassador of South Korea, Mr. Chu Uck Kim. The purpose of this meeting was to share the experiences of South Korea in terms of industrial development with the Haitian government.
Ambassador Chou Uck Kim, stated that his country was entirely willing to work with the Government of Haiti, in order to promote the emergence of the Haitian economy. He proposed to the ministries, including to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Planning, to visit and review, the industrial framework of South Korea, to have an overview of their methodology.
Minister Laleau stressed that this strategy to take South Korea as a model, will lead to the realization of .... the creation of decent and sustainable jobs through the development of the industrial and private sector in Haiti.
While thanking South Korea for its support, Mr. Wilson Laleau said he was confident of the positive effect that this initiative will have on the country's economic development.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
ARTICLE - BAHAMAS - INVESTMENT A PRIORITY
HAITI: BAHAMIAN INVESTMENT 'TOP PRIORITY'
(Nassau Guardian) - By Jeffrey Todd
Haiti is targeting up to $600 million in foreign investment next year and according to its trade ambassador, The Bahamas has a tremendous opportunity to get in on the action.
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) invited dignitaries from Haiti to a conference in Nassau yesterday to discuss prospects between the two neighbors. Gregory Mevs, Haitian ambassador for trade and investment, stressed that the rebuilding nation wants greater partnership with Bahamian companies. Whether it be expertise or direct investment, he said Haiti is open for business.
"There is a special relationship between our nations. We can no longer look at normal trade or investment. Traditional partnership will continue. What we need is to trade more with each other," Mevs told Guardian business.
"We need to diversify our trade and our source of investments, and be more global players. The Bahamas can play a big role in certain industries in Haiti."
After picking up the pieces of the devastating earthquake in 2010, the Caribbean nation continues to push forward in aggressive national development. Last year, Mevs said the country attracted $100 million in foreign investment. This year, Haiti is setting a "modest" goal of $300 million, with up to $400 million or $500 million in its sights, according to the ambassador.
Meanwhile, Mevs believes direct foreign investment of $600 million in 2013 is indeed possible.
Haiti is offering a variety of incentives for foreign businesses, including a 15-to-20 year exemption from income tax.
There is also no capital gains tax or stamp tax.
"If we work together, in a bottom-up approach, as one Caribbean, we can become a region that is much stronger," he said.
The BCCEC has remained vocal concerning collaboration between the Haitian and Bahamian economies.
In fact, Chester Cooper, the chairman, has called for the end of the embargo on agricultural goods, arguing the food bill for both countries can be drastically reduced if the proper safeguards are in place.
"The Bahamas government should put in place its own inspection protocols and expedite the removal of these restrictions. Ending the embargo will not only reduce the cost of Haitian products imported into The Bahamas and improve trade, but taking it to a logical conclusion, it might help the Haitian economy and our relations with Haiti by improving commerce," Cooper explained.
While Mevs acknowledges these particular opportunities he highlighted the importance of the construction sector as well. There are over 10 million Haitians in the country, he noted, and the economy is posed to grow five per cent each year.
Mevs described The Bahamas as being more of a "knowledge" economy, and Haiti has a surplus of land and a large population.
"In tourism, Haiti is spending a lot of money on infrastructure in the north on airports, and terminals for cruise ships. And we need hotel rooms. We need everything. And we need people to train Haitians in this industry," according to the ambassador.
The third sector ready for growth is financial services, including insurance, which went "belly up" after the earthquake.
Mevs emphasized that the two countries do not have "competing interests", and the future will be brighter if the nations work together.
Attracting investment from The Bahamas is a "top priority" for Haiti. Yesterday's conference brought up a number of possible avenues for investment, including everything from technology services to fish farming.
In the end, Mevs and the BCCEC hope engagements like these will spark more citizens to push the button of economic partnerships.
(Nassau Guardian) - By Jeffrey Todd
Haiti is targeting up to $600 million in foreign investment next year and according to its trade ambassador, The Bahamas has a tremendous opportunity to get in on the action.
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) invited dignitaries from Haiti to a conference in Nassau yesterday to discuss prospects between the two neighbors. Gregory Mevs, Haitian ambassador for trade and investment, stressed that the rebuilding nation wants greater partnership with Bahamian companies. Whether it be expertise or direct investment, he said Haiti is open for business.
"There is a special relationship between our nations. We can no longer look at normal trade or investment. Traditional partnership will continue. What we need is to trade more with each other," Mevs told Guardian business.
"We need to diversify our trade and our source of investments, and be more global players. The Bahamas can play a big role in certain industries in Haiti."
After picking up the pieces of the devastating earthquake in 2010, the Caribbean nation continues to push forward in aggressive national development. Last year, Mevs said the country attracted $100 million in foreign investment. This year, Haiti is setting a "modest" goal of $300 million, with up to $400 million or $500 million in its sights, according to the ambassador.
Meanwhile, Mevs believes direct foreign investment of $600 million in 2013 is indeed possible.
Haiti is offering a variety of incentives for foreign businesses, including a 15-to-20 year exemption from income tax.
There is also no capital gains tax or stamp tax.
"If we work together, in a bottom-up approach, as one Caribbean, we can become a region that is much stronger," he said.
The BCCEC has remained vocal concerning collaboration between the Haitian and Bahamian economies.
In fact, Chester Cooper, the chairman, has called for the end of the embargo on agricultural goods, arguing the food bill for both countries can be drastically reduced if the proper safeguards are in place.
"The Bahamas government should put in place its own inspection protocols and expedite the removal of these restrictions. Ending the embargo will not only reduce the cost of Haitian products imported into The Bahamas and improve trade, but taking it to a logical conclusion, it might help the Haitian economy and our relations with Haiti by improving commerce," Cooper explained.
While Mevs acknowledges these particular opportunities he highlighted the importance of the construction sector as well. There are over 10 million Haitians in the country, he noted, and the economy is posed to grow five per cent each year.
Mevs described The Bahamas as being more of a "knowledge" economy, and Haiti has a surplus of land and a large population.
"In tourism, Haiti is spending a lot of money on infrastructure in the north on airports, and terminals for cruise ships. And we need hotel rooms. We need everything. And we need people to train Haitians in this industry," according to the ambassador.
The third sector ready for growth is financial services, including insurance, which went "belly up" after the earthquake.
Mevs emphasized that the two countries do not have "competing interests", and the future will be brighter if the nations work together.
Attracting investment from The Bahamas is a "top priority" for Haiti. Yesterday's conference brought up a number of possible avenues for investment, including everything from technology services to fish farming.
In the end, Mevs and the BCCEC hope engagements like these will spark more citizens to push the button of economic partnerships.
ARTICLE - MARKET AS A FORCE FOR GOOD
MAKING THE MARKET A FORCE FOR GOOD
(Guardian.co.uk) - By Saba Salman
Many companies already understand the important role they play in supporting the wellbeing of communities, but what can be done to ensure social responsibility becomes a key part of corporate strategy?
When women in Haiti added fruit flavouring to purified water and sold it to their peers, an impromptu community business was born. While the main aim was a health-related one – the women used purifying sachets distributed after the 2010 earthquake to clean the water – the unforeseen knock-on effect involved women educating their peers about not drinking contaminated water and running their own mini-enterprise.
This example of social impact, from Procter & Gamble, the multinational consumer goods company that produces the water-purifying packets, was among those discussed at a recent roundtable debate hosted by the Guardian. The event, held in association with international mining company Anglo American, explored how far companies go beyond traditional philanthropy, and looked specifically at ways to factor social responsibility into corporate strategy. For example, while the Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, which were drawn up by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), provide voluntary recommendations for businesses to comply with wherever they operate, the roundtable discussed how firms might go the extra mile to make positive social impact par for the course.
As the economic climate is making already marginalised communities more vulnerable, the roundtable heard that there is an even greater need for businesses to create positive social change. "There's a storm blowing in Europe," explained John Morrison, executive director of thinktank the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB), adding, "what's going to be a fundamentally bad time for Europe in the next few years will also be an opportunity for a rethink [on this agenda]."
Participants began by defining social impact; there was widespread consensus that it was a broad term including community, social, environmental and human rights impact. Many felt that human rights, in particular, are a lens through which communities judge business. Furthermore, the communications revolution has made people more aware of their rights, so companies must be transparent and consistent about articulating their purpose, demonstrating to stakeholders that they deserve their trust.
'Enlightened self-interest'
Adrian Henriques, visiting professor of business and management at Middlesex University, said social impact includes asking: "How do the relationships between organisations and communities work and what are the mechanisms [for allowing it to happen]?" Understanding your role in the community is "critical to the business" stressed Jon Samuel, head of social performance at Anglo American, as are safety and environmental issues.
Peter White, Procter & Gamble's director of global sustainability, suFggested "enlightened self-interest" as one term for socially responsible businesses, stressing social impact can be achieved not only through practices but products. Referring to the water purifier, he added: "Improving lives happens at a lot of different levels; some of it is through our core product and the way we operate and some is around the social investment -programmes."
Stephen Howard, Business in the Community's chief executive, said ultimately social impact is about "how organisations engage and treat the planet, their environmental sustainability issues, how they manage their supply chains; how they engage with their employees creating inclusive, healthy, diverse places; also how they engage in their communities".
There was a sense, however, that the concept of a company improving lives simply through products is unsustainable, as the approach is based on a consumer-driven model of selling more items to more people. In addition, as Henriques said, "there are no companies in the world who don't say 'our aim is to have a positive impact on the world'".
Emma Williams, BT's senior engagement manager for corporate responsibility, agreed that corporate platitudes about improving the world through business produce the "false premise that makes us all feel happy and shiny and really doesn't move us towards where we need to be".
So how can companies turn social impact from theory into reality? David Bull, director of children's charity Unicef UK, drew attention to the difference between corporations "mitigating around the edges" through charity donations or marketing messages, and actions that bring about real change, such as using local supply chains.
Partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are another vehicle for change, participants heard. For example, Unicef works with Procter & Gamble on disaster relief; and Anglo American, as well as funding social inclusion projects in communities where it works, enlists Care International's help to improve local development initiatives at its mining operations. A network of partners is vital in sustainable development; White stressed the importance of "finding the right players and using their innovation to make the whole thing work".
Unicef's Bull said that more companies should adhere to Unicef's new Children's Rights and Business Principles, which it developed with the UN Global Compact and Save the Children. The principles provide the first comprehensive guide to outline what companies can do to respect and support children's rights.
Bull also voiced concern that businesses creating social impact risk ignoring "those people at the bottom of the pile" who "are beneath those you can do microcredit with". Christine Svarer, head of private sector engagement at Care International UK, cited health insurance for those in extreme poverty in India as the kind of issue companies are reluctant to get involved in.
It is through local social enterprise that remote corporations can support communities, suggested Judith Pollock, deputy director of the Shell Foundation, Shell's independent sustainable development charity. "There's a level of disconnection [between corporations and local people] and it's about having a presence on the ground," she said. "Working with social enterprise enhances the idea that you need to be local, understand your market and look at them as consumers and provide a product and service they want or need."
Measuring social impact emerged as a key topic, with the bottom line being that company boards will be more inclined to invest in social impact projects if they can see a return on their investment. James Campbell, international director of corporate development at environment charity Earthwatch, said businesses will be more attracted to investing in social and environmental projects if NGOs "indicate … the type of returns you're likely to see both in terms of direct benefits to your business and also these other [social] impacts".
Guy Battle, a partner at Deloitte, agreed that investors and boards would be keener if they could easily see the value in socially responsible businesses. "The pension funds own the business … pension funds cannot put value on social wellbeing." Battle elaborated: "Ultimately the board says 'what do we do with this [agenda], how can we translate this to share price and pension funds?'"
Currently, some of the information that is presented to boards is "pretty meaningless," added Battle. "It's all about how minimum our impact is – that we reduced carbon dioxide by 10% and the board says 'so what … what has been the impact of that?'" Battle called for "radical transparency" enabling the usual social impact statement buried at the back of the annual report to be more like the annual management letter that goes to the board.
As for existing ways to measure impact, Michael Weatherhead, director of the New Economics Foundation (NEF) thinktank, spoke about NEF's Happy Planet Index, which measures wellbeing and environmental impact. The FTSE4Good Index Series, which measures the performance of companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards, is another useful tool, said Bull.
Another mechanism to measure social impact, added Anglo American's Samuel, is the mining company's Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox. Designed to understand local needs, it helps firms develop management plans that respond to community aspirations. Samuel added: "We've made the toolbox available to the public so other companies and organisations can draw on our experience to help inform their own processes."
However, some warned that too much focus on measuring social impact would distract from action on the ground. "Measurement is useful, but I would not get hung up on it," said White. "We would like to show the number of children reached through a programme, but what does it mean? In some cases it's saved a life, in other cases children might have had a better teacher at school."
Henriques warned negative, as well as positive, social impact should be measured, adding "there are lots of interesting measures that translate economic impact into social, but it's important not to get carried away with that as not all social impact can be measured in a quantifiable way." For Henriques, the elephant in the room is government: "There needs to be some requirement for a level playing field for reporting, so you cannot ignore negative impact – that is the catalyst that would make people grow up."
Bull echoed the thoughts of other roundtable participants when he said combining ethics and business is difficult and complicated. "But we have to do it," he added. "[We have to] bring our minds down from that complexity and complication to the human beings whose lives we're trying to make better. I think if we can keep those people in our minds, we'll be able to do the right thing."
At the table
• Jo Confino (Chair), executive editor, The Guardian
• Christine Svarer, head of private sector engagement, Care International UK
• David Bull, director, Unicef
• Emma Williams, senior engagement manager for corporate responsibility, BT Group
• John Morrison, executive director, Institute for Human Rights and Business
• Jon Samuel, head of social performance, Anglo American
• Judith Pollock, deputy director, Shell Foundation
• James Campbell, international director of corporate development, Earthwatch
• Professor Adrian Henriques, visiting professor, business and management, Middlesex University
• Stephen Howard, chief executive, Business in the Community
• Michael Weatherhead, director, NEF Consulting
• Peter White, director, global sustainability, Procter & Gamble
(Guardian.co.uk) - By Saba Salman
Many companies already understand the important role they play in supporting the wellbeing of communities, but what can be done to ensure social responsibility becomes a key part of corporate strategy?
When women in Haiti added fruit flavouring to purified water and sold it to their peers, an impromptu community business was born. While the main aim was a health-related one – the women used purifying sachets distributed after the 2010 earthquake to clean the water – the unforeseen knock-on effect involved women educating their peers about not drinking contaminated water and running their own mini-enterprise.
This example of social impact, from Procter & Gamble, the multinational consumer goods company that produces the water-purifying packets, was among those discussed at a recent roundtable debate hosted by the Guardian. The event, held in association with international mining company Anglo American, explored how far companies go beyond traditional philanthropy, and looked specifically at ways to factor social responsibility into corporate strategy. For example, while the Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, which were drawn up by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), provide voluntary recommendations for businesses to comply with wherever they operate, the roundtable discussed how firms might go the extra mile to make positive social impact par for the course.
As the economic climate is making already marginalised communities more vulnerable, the roundtable heard that there is an even greater need for businesses to create positive social change. "There's a storm blowing in Europe," explained John Morrison, executive director of thinktank the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB), adding, "what's going to be a fundamentally bad time for Europe in the next few years will also be an opportunity for a rethink [on this agenda]."
Participants began by defining social impact; there was widespread consensus that it was a broad term including community, social, environmental and human rights impact. Many felt that human rights, in particular, are a lens through which communities judge business. Furthermore, the communications revolution has made people more aware of their rights, so companies must be transparent and consistent about articulating their purpose, demonstrating to stakeholders that they deserve their trust.
'Enlightened self-interest'
Adrian Henriques, visiting professor of business and management at Middlesex University, said social impact includes asking: "How do the relationships between organisations and communities work and what are the mechanisms [for allowing it to happen]?" Understanding your role in the community is "critical to the business" stressed Jon Samuel, head of social performance at Anglo American, as are safety and environmental issues.
Peter White, Procter & Gamble's director of global sustainability, suFggested "enlightened self-interest" as one term for socially responsible businesses, stressing social impact can be achieved not only through practices but products. Referring to the water purifier, he added: "Improving lives happens at a lot of different levels; some of it is through our core product and the way we operate and some is around the social investment -programmes."
Stephen Howard, Business in the Community's chief executive, said ultimately social impact is about "how organisations engage and treat the planet, their environmental sustainability issues, how they manage their supply chains; how they engage with their employees creating inclusive, healthy, diverse places; also how they engage in their communities".
There was a sense, however, that the concept of a company improving lives simply through products is unsustainable, as the approach is based on a consumer-driven model of selling more items to more people. In addition, as Henriques said, "there are no companies in the world who don't say 'our aim is to have a positive impact on the world'".
Emma Williams, BT's senior engagement manager for corporate responsibility, agreed that corporate platitudes about improving the world through business produce the "false premise that makes us all feel happy and shiny and really doesn't move us towards where we need to be".
So how can companies turn social impact from theory into reality? David Bull, director of children's charity Unicef UK, drew attention to the difference between corporations "mitigating around the edges" through charity donations or marketing messages, and actions that bring about real change, such as using local supply chains.
Partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are another vehicle for change, participants heard. For example, Unicef works with Procter & Gamble on disaster relief; and Anglo American, as well as funding social inclusion projects in communities where it works, enlists Care International's help to improve local development initiatives at its mining operations. A network of partners is vital in sustainable development; White stressed the importance of "finding the right players and using their innovation to make the whole thing work".
Unicef's Bull said that more companies should adhere to Unicef's new Children's Rights and Business Principles, which it developed with the UN Global Compact and Save the Children. The principles provide the first comprehensive guide to outline what companies can do to respect and support children's rights.
Bull also voiced concern that businesses creating social impact risk ignoring "those people at the bottom of the pile" who "are beneath those you can do microcredit with". Christine Svarer, head of private sector engagement at Care International UK, cited health insurance for those in extreme poverty in India as the kind of issue companies are reluctant to get involved in.
It is through local social enterprise that remote corporations can support communities, suggested Judith Pollock, deputy director of the Shell Foundation, Shell's independent sustainable development charity. "There's a level of disconnection [between corporations and local people] and it's about having a presence on the ground," she said. "Working with social enterprise enhances the idea that you need to be local, understand your market and look at them as consumers and provide a product and service they want or need."
Measuring social impact emerged as a key topic, with the bottom line being that company boards will be more inclined to invest in social impact projects if they can see a return on their investment. James Campbell, international director of corporate development at environment charity Earthwatch, said businesses will be more attracted to investing in social and environmental projects if NGOs "indicate … the type of returns you're likely to see both in terms of direct benefits to your business and also these other [social] impacts".
Guy Battle, a partner at Deloitte, agreed that investors and boards would be keener if they could easily see the value in socially responsible businesses. "The pension funds own the business … pension funds cannot put value on social wellbeing." Battle elaborated: "Ultimately the board says 'what do we do with this [agenda], how can we translate this to share price and pension funds?'"
Currently, some of the information that is presented to boards is "pretty meaningless," added Battle. "It's all about how minimum our impact is – that we reduced carbon dioxide by 10% and the board says 'so what … what has been the impact of that?'" Battle called for "radical transparency" enabling the usual social impact statement buried at the back of the annual report to be more like the annual management letter that goes to the board.
As for existing ways to measure impact, Michael Weatherhead, director of the New Economics Foundation (NEF) thinktank, spoke about NEF's Happy Planet Index, which measures wellbeing and environmental impact. The FTSE4Good Index Series, which measures the performance of companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards, is another useful tool, said Bull.
Another mechanism to measure social impact, added Anglo American's Samuel, is the mining company's Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox. Designed to understand local needs, it helps firms develop management plans that respond to community aspirations. Samuel added: "We've made the toolbox available to the public so other companies and organisations can draw on our experience to help inform their own processes."
However, some warned that too much focus on measuring social impact would distract from action on the ground. "Measurement is useful, but I would not get hung up on it," said White. "We would like to show the number of children reached through a programme, but what does it mean? In some cases it's saved a life, in other cases children might have had a better teacher at school."
Henriques warned negative, as well as positive, social impact should be measured, adding "there are lots of interesting measures that translate economic impact into social, but it's important not to get carried away with that as not all social impact can be measured in a quantifiable way." For Henriques, the elephant in the room is government: "There needs to be some requirement for a level playing field for reporting, so you cannot ignore negative impact – that is the catalyst that would make people grow up."
Bull echoed the thoughts of other roundtable participants when he said combining ethics and business is difficult and complicated. "But we have to do it," he added. "[We have to] bring our minds down from that complexity and complication to the human beings whose lives we're trying to make better. I think if we can keep those people in our minds, we'll be able to do the right thing."
At the table
• Jo Confino (Chair), executive editor, The Guardian
• Christine Svarer, head of private sector engagement, Care International UK
• David Bull, director, Unicef
• Emma Williams, senior engagement manager for corporate responsibility, BT Group
• John Morrison, executive director, Institute for Human Rights and Business
• Jon Samuel, head of social performance, Anglo American
• Judith Pollock, deputy director, Shell Foundation
• James Campbell, international director of corporate development, Earthwatch
• Professor Adrian Henriques, visiting professor, business and management, Middlesex University
• Stephen Howard, chief executive, Business in the Community
• Michael Weatherhead, director, NEF Consulting
• Peter White, director, global sustainability, Procter & Gamble
ARTICLE - D.R - BORDER MARKET WORRIES
TALK OF CLOSING US$2.0B PER YEAR BORDER MARKET WORRIES AGRO LEADER
(Dominican Today) -
Santo Domingo - Racking up a whopping US$1.0 billion per year, and as much as US$2.0 billion when the informal movement is added, more than 181,700 people take part in the Dominican-Haiti cross-border markets, with 95,055 Dominicans (52.3%), 86,652 Haitians (47.7%), according to the Country Market 2010 Census.
Because of those figures, Agro Board vice president Osmar Benitez said Dominicans should be concerned with statements from Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, that his country is studying the possibility of closing the markets, because many products are smuggled and don’t pay taxes.
He called on the Haitian prime minister to reconsider a decision because it would hit Haiti’s poor the hardest, since in his view Dominican foods reach Haiti fresher, cheaper and faster than all others.
He also notes that the Haiti and Dominican Republic’s Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union means a commitment to free movement of goods across the border in both directions.
Benitez said the situation poses an opportunity for both countries to sign a free trade agreement, to boost the opportunities for commerce.
(Dominican Today) -
Santo Domingo - Racking up a whopping US$1.0 billion per year, and as much as US$2.0 billion when the informal movement is added, more than 181,700 people take part in the Dominican-Haiti cross-border markets, with 95,055 Dominicans (52.3%), 86,652 Haitians (47.7%), according to the Country Market 2010 Census.
Because of those figures, Agro Board vice president Osmar Benitez said Dominicans should be concerned with statements from Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, that his country is studying the possibility of closing the markets, because many products are smuggled and don’t pay taxes.
He called on the Haitian prime minister to reconsider a decision because it would hit Haiti’s poor the hardest, since in his view Dominican foods reach Haiti fresher, cheaper and faster than all others.
He also notes that the Haiti and Dominican Republic’s Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union means a commitment to free movement of goods across the border in both directions.
Benitez said the situation poses an opportunity for both countries to sign a free trade agreement, to boost the opportunities for commerce.
Monday, June 25, 2012
ARTICLE - HAITI SEEKS 'NEW DEAL'
HAITI SEEKS TO IMPLEMENT A 'NEW DEAL'
(Defend Haiti) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE - The Finance and Economy Minister, Marie Carmelle Jean-Marie, is looking to implement a government policy of investing money into the Haitian private sector to jump start the economy.
It is similar to the 'New Deal' strategy that the United States used in the 1930s to pull itself out of the Great Depression, and that was again used in the U.S. from 2008-09 to climb out of a recession.
"The Haitian State must invest directly in private companies, like the governments of developed countries did during the 2008-2009 financial crisis," said Minister Jean-Marie on Magik 9 Radio.
She continued by saying, "the aim of this approach would be to create a network of businesses to promote job creation. For example, the sectors of construction and agriculture could easily help achieve this goal."
The minister said that due to the lack of resources by most Haitian firms, they would not win bidding for construction and other projects.
"The Haitian government has the responsibility to enter into economic activity, not to remain involved as before, but to give a boost to local businesses with viable projects."
"The new generation of youth, moreover, wil now have to become entrepreneurs to ensure this paradigm shift."
(Defend Haiti) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE - The Finance and Economy Minister, Marie Carmelle Jean-Marie, is looking to implement a government policy of investing money into the Haitian private sector to jump start the economy.
It is similar to the 'New Deal' strategy that the United States used in the 1930s to pull itself out of the Great Depression, and that was again used in the U.S. from 2008-09 to climb out of a recession.
"The Haitian State must invest directly in private companies, like the governments of developed countries did during the 2008-2009 financial crisis," said Minister Jean-Marie on Magik 9 Radio.
She continued by saying, "the aim of this approach would be to create a network of businesses to promote job creation. For example, the sectors of construction and agriculture could easily help achieve this goal."
The minister said that due to the lack of resources by most Haitian firms, they would not win bidding for construction and other projects.
"The Haitian government has the responsibility to enter into economic activity, not to remain involved as before, but to give a boost to local businesses with viable projects."
"The new generation of youth, moreover, wil now have to become entrepreneurs to ensure this paradigm shift."
Sunday, February 12, 2012
ARTICLE - THOR FREE ZONE - 3,000 JOBS
NEW FREE ZONE IN THOR - 3,000 DIRECT JOBS
(Haiti Libre) -
Last Friday an agreement for the creation of a Free Zone in Thor was signed between the Haitian government, represented by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Wilson Laleau and the President of the Société Zone Franche des Palmiers, S.A., Alain Villard. This project of $8 million will permit the creation of 3,000 direct jobs in the textile industry.
Luc Especa, Deputy Director General to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Haiti, stated that by the signed agreement, "the Haitian government gave to the Société Zone Franche des Palmiers, S.A. many advantages to help it to build a free zone. The project itself will cost $8 million.
.... The State seeks to create jobs. The President of the Republic said he wants to create 500,000 jobs during his tenure. To create jobs investments are needed, and entrepreneurs [...] That's why the State is searching, and this is why the State gives incentives. The Free Zone of des Palmiers, S.A. will create 3,000 direct jobs direct and 9,000 indirect jobs.
[...] this is a beginning; there will be other conventions that Minister Laleau and the President of the National Free Zone will sign on behalf of the Haitian State with other entrepreneurs.
This demonstrates that the government is beginning to provide a response to the problem of unemployment that has been afflicting the Haitian people for a long time. This zone will make textile products, clothes etc. ...] Before the coup of '91 there were over 120,000 jobs in the garment industry, in electronics and baseballs... We have a number of Haitians who have appropriate knowledge in these areas. Those who lack the skills, companies will train them [...] Primarily, it will be the people who will find employment by making these products..."
He added that the project will begin immediately "...the agreement is signed, the Haitian government has given them the right to receive all the equipment. Now they will start soon."
Learn more about this new Free Zone:
The project whose total cost amounts to U.S. $8 million consists of the establishment of an Industrial Park on an area of 3.4 carreaux of land. It will consist of two modular industrial buildings with metal roofs, one of 7,000 square meters, and another of 7,400 square meters with integrated individual service areas. Independent amenities will be installed across the different structures. That is to say, sanitary, administrative offices, machine rooms, the offices of the General Administration of Customs, and those of the Directorate of Free Zones. The concept also includes a dining hall, a clinic and a sports center.
(Haiti Libre) -
Last Friday an agreement for the creation of a Free Zone in Thor was signed between the Haitian government, represented by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Wilson Laleau and the President of the Société Zone Franche des Palmiers, S.A., Alain Villard. This project of $8 million will permit the creation of 3,000 direct jobs in the textile industry.
Luc Especa, Deputy Director General to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Haiti, stated that by the signed agreement, "the Haitian government gave to the Société Zone Franche des Palmiers, S.A. many advantages to help it to build a free zone. The project itself will cost $8 million.
.... The State seeks to create jobs. The President of the Republic said he wants to create 500,000 jobs during his tenure. To create jobs investments are needed, and entrepreneurs [...] That's why the State is searching, and this is why the State gives incentives. The Free Zone of des Palmiers, S.A. will create 3,000 direct jobs direct and 9,000 indirect jobs.
[...] this is a beginning; there will be other conventions that Minister Laleau and the President of the National Free Zone will sign on behalf of the Haitian State with other entrepreneurs.
This demonstrates that the government is beginning to provide a response to the problem of unemployment that has been afflicting the Haitian people for a long time. This zone will make textile products, clothes etc. ...] Before the coup of '91 there were over 120,000 jobs in the garment industry, in electronics and baseballs... We have a number of Haitians who have appropriate knowledge in these areas. Those who lack the skills, companies will train them [...] Primarily, it will be the people who will find employment by making these products..."
He added that the project will begin immediately "...the agreement is signed, the Haitian government has given them the right to receive all the equipment. Now they will start soon."
Learn more about this new Free Zone:
The project whose total cost amounts to U.S. $8 million consists of the establishment of an Industrial Park on an area of 3.4 carreaux of land. It will consist of two modular industrial buildings with metal roofs, one of 7,000 square meters, and another of 7,400 square meters with integrated individual service areas. Independent amenities will be installed across the different structures. That is to say, sanitary, administrative offices, machine rooms, the offices of the General Administration of Customs, and those of the Directorate of Free Zones. The concept also includes a dining hall, a clinic and a sports center.
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