Haitian Prime Minister Lamothe Signs MOUs for increased trade and collaboration with Brazil

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe leaves Brazil's capital city today following two days of meetings focused on strengthening ties with Brazil and encouraging private sector investments in Haiti's developing economy.

Meeting with Defense Minister Celso Amorim, Lamothe was assured of Brazil's long-term commitment to Haiti.  After outlining a three-tier plan centered on "Law and Order, Political Stabilization and Haitian Development," Amorim announced that the Brazilian military will create a military engineering unit within Haiti to develop infrastructure projects.  "Although, Brazilian troops in Haiti have been drawn down to pre-earthquake levels," said Amorim, "Brazil will not leave Haiti abruptly."

Speaking for the Government of Haiti, Lamothe reaffirmed that, "Haiti is grateful for Brazil's presence and its commitment to our nation's development."  He extended President Martelly's "warmest regards to the people of Brazil for their on-going support and dedication."

To underscore that the "New Haiti" is "Open for Business," Lamothe attended a working lunch with Brazil's National Federation of Industries to boost direct investment in Haiti.  In response to the interest in learning more about investment opportunities within Haiti expressed by luncheon attendees, Haiti's CFI (Investment Promotion Agency) will coordinate a trade mission for Brazilian businessmen within the next few months.

On the second day of his official visit, Prime Minister Lamothe met with two key Brazilian leaders, Marco Aurelio Garcia, Senior Advisor to the President for International Relations, and Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota to discuss deepening collaboration between their countries and to sign specific MOUs. 

The MOUs between Haiti and Brazil focus on increasing trade, training of Haitian diplomats, investment promotion, and technical cooperation in agriculture.  A particular agreement in agriculture calls for increasing food safety through the improvement of seed production and the training of small farmers. The Brazilian government agreed to work with the Haitian government to find ways to establish preferential terms for the sale of buses, police pick-up trucks, police gear and communication equipment.  

Foreign Minister Patriota also arranged an official luncheon for Prime Minister Lamothe at the Foreign Ministry.  Patriota affirmed, "Brazil stands shoulder to shoulder with President Martelly and Prime Minister Lamothe in the long term, sustainable development of Haiti."

Next, Haiti's Prime Minister will travel to Sao Paulo for more meetings to attract investments to Haiti.  The week-long mission will conclude in Rio de Janeiro where Lamothe will visit several social development projects.

Contact
Office of the Prime Minister, Communications Unit
Gary Bodeau
(509) 44 11 11 11
[email protected]

SOURCE Primature Haiti