Export and investment promotion

The IDC will implement the project under the oversight of the Consultative Mixed Committee for Industrial Development (CMCID), a public/private sector policy reform group. The IDC, which will be established as a public entity established by government decree and managed by a private and autonomous Board of Directors, will have three divisions providing three types of services. (1) An Information and Communications Division will operate an efficient, simple, and up-to-date business information service to provide data on market demand (e.g., price, quality, style, and quantity); investment, trade, and export opportunities; local operating capacities; sectoral supply/demand conditions and regulations: and business opportunities. A strategy for communicating with local investors and contractors, foreign (especially U.S.) firms and investors, the press, project staff and CMCID, and major donors will be developed, to include regular publications and seminars. (2) IDC"s Export and Investor Services Division will help exporters/investors work through regulations and permit requirements; respond to investment and contract information requests, and link overseas contracting interests with local capabilities. A reception facility will be set up to coordinate communication between foreign investors and local assembly contractors. Except for issuing government permits, this will be a one-stop facility, capable of guiding potential investors through all the steps required to conclude a contract or investment. (3) Finally, IDC"s Promotion Division will conduct a modest promotional program to improve Haiti"s business image and create new investor interest. IDC will develop a targeting process and a network to reach clients; develop and distribute materials; arrange for Haitian participation at overseas trade fairs; engage in a limited amount of advertisement; and support a limited overseas representation. In addition, by providing information gathered from its daily interactions with exporters and investors to CMCID, IDC will enhance policy dialogue between the public and private sectors. The project will provide extensive training (overseas and local) to IDC executive staff; long- and short-term TA; and policy formulation assistance for CMCID. Amendment of 6/29/91 extends PACD 4 years to 9/95 at increased funding and changes the project"s name to Promotion of Business and Exports (PROBE). The revised project includes tourism as a targeted sector, eliminates efforts to develop the IDC (later known as PROMINEX) or any particular institution, and includes activities in three areas. (1) The project will provide trade- and investment-related information to Haitian businesses (with a focus on making them more competitive in world markets) and to potential investors. Both groups will receive TA and training from such organizations as the International Executive Service Corps and Entrepreneurs International. (2) The project will finance studies, fora, and program grants to increase the Haitian business community"s understanding of the global economy and issues facing the Haitian economy. (3) The project will finance attendance of key individuals at events important to Haiti"s economic and business future, e.g., the Miami Conference on the Caribbean. Study and investment tours for government officials may also be funded. The project will be implemented through a cooperative agreement with a local business-oriented organization. (PD-ABD-191)