Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) II Legislation

The legislation was an extension of the HOPE Act of 2006, which provided duty-free entry to the United States for garments manufactured in Haiti. The HOPE II bill was passed in May 2008 as part of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. Key provisions of the HOPE II legislation include a 10-year extension of duty-free access to the U.S. market, an increase in the Tariff Preference Level (TPL) for woven and knit products, and the inclusion of new product categories such as luggage, headgear, and sleepwear. The bill also requires Haiti to establish an Office of Labor Relations and appoint a Labor Ombudsman within 16 months, with technical assistance provided by the International Labor Organization (ILO). Implementation of the HOPE II legislation is being supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID is providing technical assistance to the apparel sector through its implementer CHF/KATA, including training and financial support for an apparel industry training center in Port-au-Prince. CHF/KATA is also rehabilitating roads leading to industrial park areas and providing technical assistance for seminars and workshops on international trends in the apparel sector. Additional USAID support to the export sector includes funding for an Executive Director for the Center for Trade, Marketing, and Outreach (CTMO-HOPE) and providing technical assistance for the development of a garment sector strategic plan. The Investment Facilitation Center (CFI) is also receiving support from USAID. The HOPE Commission, comprising public sector, private sector, and labor union representatives, is responsible for implementing various initiatives under the HOPE II legislation, including the electronic visa system, establishment of an industrial park, and implementation of labor rights and decent employment projects. The HOPE II legislation has created approximately 11,000 jobs to date, and its 10-year extension is expected to create more employment and offer additional assurances to potential investors. The legislation aims to promote a market-based economy, increase employment, and enhance the rule of law in Haiti.