Economic Growth Objective: FY 2009 Annual Implementation Plan

The Economic Growth objective is a key component of USAID/Haiti's strategy, closely aligning with the Haitian government's priorities on wealth creation, micro credit programs, employment creation, and natural resource management. To achieve this objective, USAID/Haiti will invest $45.45 million in FY 2009, focusing on several key activities. The Private Sector Productivity initiative aims to build the private sector's ability to participate in domestic and international markets, strengthen private sector associations, and improve public/private dialogue. This will be achieved through training programs, internships, and job assistance for out-of-school youth, as well as technical assistance on workforce training and organizational development for community-based organizations. The Trade, Investment and Business Enabling Environment activity seeks to address the regulatory framework for business, update business and investment legislation, and strengthen Haitian public institutions and private sector trade associations. This will enable Haiti to take advantage of trade opportunities under international trade agreements, promote investor confidence, create jobs, and reduce opportunities for corruption in business-related measures. USAID is supporting the Investment Facilitation Center to encourage a transparent and efficient investment process. The Financial Services and Markets activity aims to build the capacity of commercial banks to develop new products and services, increase access to financial services for productive Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and strengthen linkages between the formal and informal sectors of the economy. This will be achieved through credit guarantees, diversified financial services, and increased access to finance and market information for MSMEs. In FY 2008, significant progress was made on tax law reform, development of training manuals, and delivery of training courses to DGI staff members. The DGI submitted the revised Law on Fiscal Procedures to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. U.S. technical assistance helped strengthen the GOH's commitment to an improved trade and investment environment by facilitating consensus on important reforms. USAID-funded microfinance institutions assisted over 326,000 micro-enterprises, promoting lending to productive sectors and expanding lending to rural and semi-rural micro-enterprises. Additionally, 3,661 farmers received training, 115 hectares of land were brought under improved resources management practices, and 44 women's organizations received assistance. Two new loan guarantees injected an additional $6 million into the productive sectors, raising the overall amount to $12.5 million.