As part of a broad diplomatic effort to renew the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership for Encouragement (HOPE) and Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) laws—crucial trade mechanisms for the Haitian economy, particularly the textile sector—a Haitian delegation composed of James Monazard, Minister of Commerce and Industry; Yves Pierre, Representative of the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH); Georges Sassine, Representative of the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH); and Virgilio Mota, Representative of Group M and CODEVI, is currently in Washington.

Among those met by the Haitian delegation are the Haitian Ambassador to the United States, Lionel Delatour; Victoria Hartman and Victor Cerviño, of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Ms. Viviana Bovo, Senior Advisor in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. Department of State; Cole Matino and Cesar Vence, of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Steve Lamar, President and CEO, and Beth Hughes, Vice President of Trade Policy, of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA); Kim Glas, President and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO); Tyler Fagan, Legislative Director in the Office of Speaker Mike Johnson; Katherine Wiederholt, Legislative Assistant in the Office of Representative Mike Turner; Austin Broussard, Legislative Assistant in the Office of Representative Steve Scalise; M.K. Sowers, Legislative Director in the Office of Representative Andrew Garbarino; Alexandra Whittaker, Director of Staff and Chief Minority Counsel for the Ways and Means Committee; Pat Nelson, of the National Security Council; The Chief of Staff to Senator Bernie Moreno; representatives of Senator Markwayne Mullin; the majority of the Ways and Means Committee; Joel Hirst from the office of Senator Bill Cassidy; and Courtney Kaufman from the office of Representative Mike Lawler.

It is worth noting that the HOPE Act, adopted in 2006 and subsequently strengthened by the HELP Act, is one of the main instruments of trade cooperation between Haiti and the United States. It allows, in particular, the duty-free export of textiles and apparel manufactured in Haiti to the American market, while also promoting investment, industrial development, and job creation.

For Minister James Monazard, the renewal of the HOPE/HELP Act is of strategic importance to the national economy. Its extension will help preserve tens of thousands of jobs, strengthen the competitiveness of Haitian businesses, attract new investments, and consolidate Haiti's position in regional supply chains.

Through this mission, the Haitian government reaffirms its commitment to defending the country's economic interests and pursuing a constructive dialogue with U.S. authorities and all relevant partners to ensure the renewal of the HOPE/HELP laws, a crucial driver of growth, job creation, and sustainable development for Haiti.

HL/ HaitiLibre