On Thursday, July 9, 2026, a major step forward was taken in the process of reviving cooperation between Haiti and Japan following a meeting between Me Stevenson Jacques Thimoléon, Director General of the Bureau for the Monetization of Development Assistance Programs (BMPAD), and the Japanese Ambassador to Haiti, Kazuhiko Nishiuchi.

It should be noted that cooperation between Haiti and Japan (particularly the KR Program) had been slowed and suspended due to successive security and political crises in Haiti. To relaunch the program for monetizing Japanese donations, Tokyo required concrete guarantees of institutional stability, increased oversight of funds, and strict accountability.

During the discussions, Thimoléon presented the actions undertaken by the new administration to ensure sound, transparent, and responsible management of resources from Haitian-Japanese cooperation. He reaffirmed BMPAD's commitment to upholding good governance standards, ensuring rigorous management of the counterpart fund, and regularly reporting on project progress.

Discussions also focused on resuming the Japanese grant monetization program, which has funded numerous projects in agriculture, education, road infrastructure, and community development over the years.

Director General Thimoléon also informed his guest that the counterpart fund managed by BMPAD currently has a substantial balance, demonstrating the institution's ability to effectively manage the resources entrusted to it.

Following the meeting, the Japanese Ambassador expressed his satisfaction with the presentation and the information provided on the management of the counterpart fund. He commended the new administration's efforts to enhance transparency and restore trust between the two partners.

The Japanese diplomat indicated that he was now awaiting the green light from Tokyo to proceed with the effective relaunch of this historic partnership between the two countries.

For the BMPAD, this meeting represents a crucial step toward strengthening a cooperation that spans more than thirty years. The institution reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the Embassy of Japan to develop concrete, transparent, and sustainable projects for the benefit of the Haitian people.

HL/ HaitiLibre