Haiti - USA : ADIH determined to continue its efforts to extend the HOPE-HELP programs
In a note, the Board of the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH), notes the absence of the extension of the trade preference programs Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE II) and Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP), adopted respectively in 2008 and 2010, in the government funding bill adopted by the American Congress on Friday, December 20, 2024 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43899-haiti-flash-congress-did-not-vote-to-renew-the-hope-help-law.html
ADIH explains that initially, the American Congress had examined the law aimed at ensuring the financing of the United States Government [and avoiding a "shutdown" on Christmas Eve]. In this context, Haiti occupied a special place, as the only trade preference initiative included in the bill. This inclusion demonstrated Congress’ recognition of Haiti’s strategic importance and the value of this program.
However, the initial text of the funding bill, which was over 1,500 pages long, generated opposition within Congress, motivated by concerns unrelated to Haiti or its trade preference programs. To overcome these bottlenecks and ensure timely passage of the legislation, a more concise version was developed. Reduced to approximately 300 pages, this simplified version focused on essential domestic expenditures, deferring any possibility of extending the HOPE-HELP program until next year.
ADIH expresses its deep gratitude to all members of Congress who have made such progress possible and remains committed to continuing its efforts, in collaboration with its partners, to pass this crucial legislation for Haiti, which expires in September 2025.
