James Monazard, Minister of Trade and Industry (MCI), reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening support for Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) through a series of programs already underway across the country.

For him, this includes supporting local businesses, as well as young people and micro-entrepreneurs, with the aim of preserving jobs. In this regard, the Minister of Trade and Industry intends to encourage innovation in all sectors with high job creation potential, with a view to increasing and ensuring competitiveness.

Among the key actions discussed are the deployment of seven structural programs, six of which have already been approved by the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation. These include the Youth Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAPEJ), the Women's Entrepreneurship Support Program (PAEF), as well as targeted craft initiatives, such as shoemaking and sewing programs, which promote traditional skills.

The Minister emphasized the need for delocalized, coherent, and inclusive government action to bring the Ministry's services closer to entrepreneurs and economic operators located outside the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. He reiterated that national economic recovery cannot be confined to the capital, but must be based on concrete commitment in the regions. According to him, the objective is to strengthen the MCI's presence on the ground, provide better support to MSMEs, and create an effective hub in each department.

As part of this delocalization strategy, the Ministry is strengthening the implementation of the PAPEJ in the regions. To date, 41 businesses have been supported across the country, and a new cohort of entrepreneurs has already been launched in the Grand South region, demonstrating the government's commitment to bringing its initiatives and services closer to young project leaders in the provinces.

IH/ iciHaiti