Haiti - Economy : The DGI engages in dialogue with the private business sector regarding the new Tax Code
This week, at the Karibe Hotel, Chesnel Francois—Director General of the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) and Deputy Director General Alfred Pierre joined Minister of Economy and Finance (MEF) Serge Gabriel Collin for a panel discussion. The event, organized by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham-Haïti) in collaboration with various other chambers of commerce and professional associations, focused on the practical implications of the tax code for Haitian businesses. The panel featured accountant Caroline Romain, attorney Genevièvre Michel, MEF tax advisor Jean Hervé Alcé, and Ivens Roche, Director of the Large Taxpayers Directorate (DGC).
As noted by Erika Rosenthal, Executive Director of AmCham-Haïti, the conference was part of a public-private dialogue initiative aimed at identifying implementation challenges, obtaining necessary clarifications, and finding solutions tailored to the realities faced by businesses.
In his remarks, the Director General of the DGI emphasized the need to foster a climate of trust with businesses and other stakeholders, while ensuring that procedures are well understood and services remain accessible. He discussed the rehabilitation and restructuring of the "Infocentre" a call center established in 2019 that ceased operations in 2023 with the goal of strengthening support for taxpayers and helping them better understand their tax obligations. Furthermore, he underscored the critical importance of continuing the dialogue already underway with chambers of commerce and representatives of the private sector. The Minister of Economy and Finance, whose remarks were framed within the broader context of tax reform and its economic implications, focused primarily on key issues such as improving the business climate, boosting private investment, and strengthening the State’s capacity to mobilize resources for the sustainable financing of public services.
At the conclusion of the conference-debate, participants agreed to continue the dialogue between the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI), the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), and the private business sector, with the aim of fostering a better understanding of the tax code and facilitating its implementation.
