WANT TO ESTABLISH A BUSINESS: In Haiti?

Establishing a Business
Individuals wishing to practice a trade in Haiti must obtain an immigrant visa from a Haitian Consulate and, in most cases, a government work permit.

Transient and resident traders must also have a professional ID card.

Property restrictions still exist for foreign individuals.

Property rights of foreigners are limited to 1.29 hectares in urban areas and 6.45 hectares in rural areas.

No foreigner may own more than one residence in the same district, or own property or buildings near the border.

To own real estate, authorization from the Ministry of Justice is necessary.

Hurdles for businesses in Haiti include poor infrastructure, a high-cost port, an irregular supply of electricity, and Customs delays.

There is little direct investment.

In November 2002, the Haitian Parliament passed an investment law prohibiting fiscal and legal discrimination against foreign investors.

The 2002 law explicitly recognizes the crucial role of foreign direct investment in spurring economic growth and aims to facilitate, liberalize, and stimulate private investment in Haiti.

Foreign investment protection is also provided by the Haitian Constitution of 1987, which permits expropriation of private property for public use or land reform with payment in advance.

American firms enjoy free transfer of interest, dividends, profits, and other revenues stemming from their investments, and are guaranteed just compensation paid in advance of expropriation, as well as compensation in case of damages or losses caused by war, revolution, or insurrection.

The U.S. and Haiti have a bilateral agreement on investment guarantees that permits the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation to offer programs in Haiti.

The two governments also signed a bilateral investment treaty in December 1983, but it was not ratified.

Additional information on establishing a business in Haiti can be found at export.gov, then to market research, then Country Commercial Guides.

Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador--Janet Sanderson
Deputy Chief of Mission--Thomas C. Tighe
Consul General-- Donald Moore
Public Affairs Officer--James Ellickson-Brown
USAID Director--Paul Tuebner

The U.S. Embassy in Haiti is located on 5, Harry Truman Blvd., Port-au-Prince.

Contact Information
U.S. Commercial Service does not have a separate office in Haiti.

Commercial matters are handled by the Embassy economic section.
Tel: (509) 223-1477
Fax: (509) 223-9038
Cell: (509) 409-1441

Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)
1615 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20527
Tel: (202) 457-7200
Fax: (202) 331-4234

U.S. Department of Commerce
14th and Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20230

Office of Latin America and the Caribbean
Tel: (202) 482-0704
Fax: (202) 482-0464
Caribbean/Latin American Action
1818 N Street, NW, Suite 310
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 466-7464
Fax: (202) 822-0075

Association des Industries d'Haiti (ADIH)
Bldg.

Le Triangle Delmas 31, #139
Port-au-Prince
Tel: (509) 246-4509/4510 or 2211

Centre Pour la Libre Entreprise et la Democratie (CLED)
37, Avenue Marie-Jeanne,
No. 8 B.P. 1316
Port-au-Prince
Tel: (509) 244-0901 or (509) 245-6039
Fax: (509) 222-8252

Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie d'Haiti
P.O. Box 982
Port-au-Prince
Tel: (509) 222-0281 or (509) 222-2475

Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AMCHAM)
Rue Oge, A-5
Petionville
Republic of Haiti
Tel: (509) 511-3024, fax not available

Posted by Wilgeens Hispanolanoyosoy Rosenberg on 4/25/08 1:06 AM

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Re: Want To Establish A Business: In Haiti? Robert P Toussaint 4/25

. . . Re: Want To Establish A Business: In Haiti? by Wilgeens Hispanolanoyosoy Rosenberg 4/25