On Tuesday, August 20 to August 21, Ambassador Hervé H. Denis, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Haiti to the United States traveled to Delaware to discuss bilateral relations between the State of Delaware and Haiti. The visit was part of the Embassy’s larger mission to identify economic opportunities and attract direct foreign investment to Haiti. Ambassador Denis, who is now nearly six months in his tenure, has launched the economic promotion initiative with this Delaware visit which is shaping up to be a fruitful and promising conversation and direction for Haiti. It’s worth noting that Delaware is one of the 10 U.S. states with the largest Haitian population, home to approximately 15,000 Haitians.
During his visit, Ambassador Denis was invited to the Port of Wilmington and connected with the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eric Casey, to discuss business opportunities in Haiti and how Haiti can partner with the Port in terms of import and export and the possibility of building a transshipment port in Haiti. Shortly thereafter, Ambassador Denis met with Governor John Carney and discussed business opportunities in Haiti around healthcare, agriculture, a possible MOU between Haiti and Delaware and art promotion collaboration. The Ambassador also seized the opportunity to extend an invitation to the Governor and a delegation comprised of business leaders and cultural promoters to visit Haiti for an in-person introduction to the country. A visit to the Office of Mayor Mike Purzycki followed where both parties discussed areas of collaboration around tourism, cultural promotion.
The community also had an opportunity to meet Ambassador Denis at a welcoming reception hosted by the Lieutenant Governor, Bethany Hall-Long and the Delaware visit organizers. During his remarks, Ambassador Denis addressed the attendees, which comprised of business stakeholders, government leaders and members of the community. He discussed the business and investment opportunities available in Haiti around import and export, agriculture, etc.
The visit continued with a trip to the University of Delaware where the Ambassador met university administrators, scholars and students to discuss possible educational exchanges, MOUs and other pertinent/relevant information. Shortly thereafter, Ambassador Denis was hosted at the Delaware Art Museum where Ambassador Denis discussed possible art collaboration between the museum and Haiti.
During his trip, the Ambassador reiterated the current administration’s priorities and goals to boost the national production. Haiti is one of the Caribbean islands uniquely positioned to welcome any ship going to and fro Asia and the U.S. Eastern Coast. It’s tropical climate makes it conducive for agriculture. Haiti is the top 15 producers of mangoes in the world and top 30 coffee producer. This trip was a unique opportunity to highlight Haiti’s economic strength and opportunities, strengthen the historic relationship between Haiti and the U.S. and a first step in a new partnership with Delaware.
Photos from the visit are available here.