On July 21, 2026, the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) organized a luncheon dialogue at the Karibe Hotel dedicated to the project to modernize the Tax Code. Chaired by Chesnel Francois, the Director General of the DGI, this meeting brought together members of the Tax Policy Committee of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, as well as Jocelerme Privert, former interim President of the Republic and former Director General of the DGI.

In his opening remarks, the Director General of the DGI noted that this initiative is part of the consultation process undertaken by the Ministry and the DGI to prepare for the implementation of the new Tax Code, scheduled for October 1, 2026. He emphasized that this series of consultations aims to compare analyses, gather input from key figures who have shaped the evolution of Haitian public finances, and enrich discussions on the conditions for the effective, realistic, and sustainable implementation of this reform.

Chesnel François also emphasized the historic nature of the new Tax Code, presented as the most significant reform of Haitian tax legislation in decades. According to him, this reform will provide the country with a more coherent, transparent, and equitable tax system, better suited to the requirements of a modern administration. He clarified that this modernization is not simply a matter of mimicking foreign models, but rather addresses the need to correct structural deficiencies in the tax system, strengthen the legal security of taxpayers, harmonize tax rules, simplify procedures, and adapt taxation mechanisms to national economic realities.

He welcomed the presence of Jocelerme Privert, whose exceptional career in service to the State, the tax administration, and public finances makes him an indispensable figure in the reform process. He notably recalled the crucial role played by the former Head of State in strengthening the mobilization of national resources, emphasizing that he had succeeded in organizing elections entirely financed by national public funds—a landmark achievement in Haiti's contemporary history.

Jocelerme Privert shared his analysis of the main challenges related to tax reform, stressing the need to establish a stable, credible, and equitable tax framework capable of strengthening trust between citizens and the tax administration while sustainably supporting the country's economic development.

Through this participatory approach, the DGI reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the dialogue with former government officials, experts, institutional partners, and representatives from various sectors of national life in order to build a modern, inclusive tax code adapted to Haitian realities. The recommendations resulting from these consultations will contribute to ensuring the coordinated implementation of this structural reform, for the benefit of the State, taxpayers and the national economy.

IH/ iciHaiti