On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, during the 21st session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, James Monazard, Minister of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the challenges hindering industrial development in Haiti while reaffirming the Government's commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive industrialization. "The gap we have to close seems immense, but it is not insurmountable," he stated.

According to the Minister, the industrial sector is a key driver for reviving the national economy, particularly through job creation and improved living standards. He stressed that job creation remains a top priority for the Presidential Transitional Council and the Haitian Government. He appealed to international partners to support Haiti in digitalization, agricultural innovation, the adoption of resilient technologies, and technical training.

On the sidelines of the Forum, Monazard met with Ms. Fatou Haidara, Deputy Director General of UNIDO and Director of Cooperation with Member States and External Partners, to discuss prospects for strengthened cooperation between Haiti and UNIDO in order to support the modernization of Haitian industry.

Discussions focused on strengthening technical capacities at the national level, including youth training, the evaluation of the Haiti-UNIDO Country Project signed in 2015-2016, and the implementation of the objectives of the Doha Development Agenda 2022-2031, which focuses on supporting Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Both parties committed to intensifying their collaboration to sustainably support Haiti's industrial development.

Furthermore, Monazard proposed the creation of an industrial investment fund for LDCs, believing that such a tool would facilitate the implementation of transformative and transformative projects.

In conclusion, Haiti reaffirmed its commitment to actively participate in international exchanges, share its experience, and build sustainable partnerships for inclusive industrialization that generates prosperity for all.

Learn more about UNIDO :

UNIDO is the UN specialized agency for industrial development. It supports countries, particularly developing countries, in strengthening their industrial base, creating jobs, developing clean technologies, and promoting sustainable, inclusive, and innovative economic growth.

HL/ HaitiLibre