April 27, 2025
On January 16, 2025, Haiti’s Minister of Commerce and Industry (MCI), James Monazard, outlined his administration’s achievements and priorities for the current fiscal year during a press conference. Among the key announcements was the relaunch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAPEJ) after six years of inactivity. This initiative, aimed at fostering innovation and reducing unemployment among young entrepreneurs, signals a renewed focus on empowering the next generation of business leaders. Monazard also emphasized his commitment to strengthening consumer protection by modernizing the MCI’s Complaints Center and advocating for the renewal of the Hope/Help Act, which is critical for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
To streamline business operations, the Minister introduced the MCI Service Desk, a digital platform enabling online business registration and prior art searches. This move, aligning with global trends in public service digitization, aims to simplify administrative procedures and boost entrepreneurship. “We want every entrepreneur to focus on their business without being held back by bureaucratic hurdles,” he stated.
Monazard highlighted the outcomes of the Investment Forum held in New York in October 2024, which resulted in partnership agreements and attracted investments in key sectors such as renewable energy and agribusiness. These efforts form part of a broader strategy to position Haiti as an appealing destination for international investors.
The Minister also underscored the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs, announcing targeted programs to improve their access to financing, training, and professional networks. “Women are a cornerstone of our economy. We must provide them with the tools to succeed,” he stressed.
With these announcements, James Monazard has set a clear agenda: to transform the MCI into a driving force for economic recovery through innovation, rights advocacy, and service modernization. The coming months will reveal how these initiatives translate into tangible results on the ground.
