Enhancing capacity for trade in Haiti – lessons learnt seminar

Over the past nine months, Landell Mills has been working with the Haitian Bureau of Standards on a project set up to create an institutional framework for quality infrastructure in Haiti, in line with the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement. The project also aims to enhance the capacity of auditors and consultants to support Haitian firms and laboratories.

To mark the end of the project, Landell Mills recently organised a seminar in Port aux Prince. The seminar aimed to share project findings and raise awareness of international standards and the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade agreement, as a means of empowering Haitian Institutions, small-holder farmers, traders and processing enterprises.

The seminar was attended by a range of stakeholders, including the Haitian Bureau of Standards, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MCI), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Haitian Association for Quality Management (AHMAQ), the National Laboratory of Public Works (LNBTP), as well as other laboratories and private businesses. Members of the media were also invited, to ensure wide coverage of the event.

Landell Mills Project Executive, Thomas Pataillot, presented activities implemented to date, and reminded the audience of the importance of compliance with the WTO TBT agreement, particularly in relation to the development of a quality infrastructure, which will enable businesses to export to the EU and other countries.

The Ambassador to the European Delegation in Haiti and the General Director of the MCI also spoke at the event and Landell Mills team leader, Georges Dupret, presented project findings and listed recommendations for the improvement of Haiti's national framework and quality legislation.