12898: ADIH description of the Free Zones, Border development... (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: MKarshan@aol.com

Just saw this today and thought the list might be interested.  It is prepared
by ADIH, the manufacturers association in Haiti:


Reading this correspondence shows the interest in the future of Haiti but
the total lack of information and complete confusion surrounding such
important subjects as Free Zones, Border development through an "Hispanola
Fund" and, therefore, the dire needs of Haiti for economic recovery
through immediate job creation.

Our mission at the Manufacturers Association of Haiti (ADIH), and our
crusade for the past year, has been to research, encourage and promote
projects and venues capable of facilitating this recovery within the
proper legal and social framework.

As such, the Association is very much involved in the proceedings towards
the creation of the Hispanola Fund.  At this point, the project is still
on the drawing board with only a letter of intention having been signed
between Haiti and the DR to promote the idea and determine a viable legal
framework where each country maintains its independence and integrity
while ensuring the harmonious development of the border area and its
population.

Regarding the Free Zones, the law we fought for to clearly establish the
rules of the game, has finally been voted by Parliament .  Several
complexes should be established in different areas of the country.  As of
now, we can speak of one in Port-au-Prince near the airport road, the
other of the Grupo M in the Northeast area near the border.   There has
been no sale of land to this group that we know of but a leasing proposal
and the conditions of implementation are clearly spelled out.  The quality
of services that they will extend to their employees and the surrounding
population is of the same standards actually in application in the
Dominican Republic and maybe more. I am sure that this group is quite open
to any serious inquiry.

Furthermore, Haiti being listed as the only LDC in the Americas (least
developped country), ADIH  for the past year  has been steadily engaged in
the lobbying of the US Congress and Government for trade preferences
similar to the ones granted to the African countries, AGOA (Africa Growth
Opportunity Act).  We strongly feel that such a trade preference would
entice investors mostly in the textile sector, to immediately consider
Haiti as their next best stop in manufacturing and will provide us with
the much needed edge that will allow us to face the challenges of
globalization and the demands of 2005.  We are also working on a HERO act
(Haiti Economic Recovery Opportunity act) to take place as soon as the
political situation renders it possible.

We remain at your disposal for any additional information you may need