Economic Potential of Haiti - Typical Products

This comprehensive report documents a collaborative effort between Haiti's Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) and UNDP to identify and valorize the country's typical products. The initiative emerged from recognition of Haiti's diverse culinary, agricultural, artisanal and cultural heritage that gives it a unique reputation in the Caribbean.

The program involved extensive consultations through 11 forums across Haiti's 10 departments, engaging 576 participants including producers, farmers, civil society members, local chambers of commerce, and government officials. This participatory process initially identified 539 products, which were subsequently narrowed to 60 priority products and finally to 30 high-priority items based on market demand, environmental impact, production capacity, local expertise, value chain potential, job creation potential, and product diversification possibilities.

The identified products are categorized into three main groups: natural and cultural heritage, small industry and crafts, and local agriculture. The document provides detailed technical sheets for 30 priority products, analyzing their production potential, market opportunities, challenges, and recommended support strategies. The initiative aligns with the government's strategy focusing on decent job creation, improving population welfare, and addressing the five Es prioritized by the President: Rule of Law, Environment, Education, Employment, and Energy.

The report concludes with recommendations for integrating typical products into MCI's support framework, including structuring and financing MSMEs, providing technical assistance, and connecting producers to profitable markets to increase production, create jobs, and generate wealth and income.