Press Release

United States and Haiti sign us$ 492 million agreement To support Haiti’s economic and social development

September 15, 2006
No. 2006/59

United States Ambassador Janet A. Sanderson, Prime Minister Jacques Edouard Alexis, Minister of Planning and External Cooperation Jean-Max Bellerive and USAID Mission Director Paul Tuebner signed a three-year agreement today as part of the ongoing efforts by the United States Government to assist Haiti in its progression towards stability and growth.  The total contribution under the terms of this accord is estimated to be USD 492 million in support of the Haitian people.  The agreement will help expand employment and improve sustainable livelihoods, increase access to social services and reinforce the rule of law and good governance in Haiti.

The agreement signed today officially obligated USD 53 million of FY 2006 funds for USAID assistance programs in Haiti.  These funds are part of an overall Country Strategy Grant Agreement (CSGA) covering the next three years (FY 2007 to FY 2009) that has an estimated contribution of USD 312 million dollars to be bilaterally obligated with the Government of Haiti (GOH) between 2006-2009 (of which the USD 53 million is a part), plus an estimated contribution of USD 180 million in complementary programs, including the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and PL 480 Title II food aid activities.  The total contribution under the terms of the agreement is estimated to be USD 492 million for all USAID activities that support the Haitian people during the same period.  The agreement will help expand employment and improve sustainable livelihoods, increase access to social services and reinforce the rule of law and good governance in Haiti.

Under this agreement, USAID will partner with the Government of Haiti to help meet the basic needs of the Haitian population, focusing on job creation, community revitalization and empowerment, local government partnerships, expansion of financial services, watershed development, agribusiness and marketing, public health care, AIDS prevention and treatment, education services, civil society and media improvement, judicial and parliamentary systems reform and improved governance and fiscal policy.

 The United States Government strongly supports the Government of Haiti’s long-term vision to tackle the most critical social and economic development issues that have confronted the country for many years.  Today’s signing ceremony is a demonstration of the American people’s commitment to the people of Haiti and further solidifies the partnership between our two countries.

 

The United States is Haiti’s largest single-country donor and trade partner, and is determined and committed to work with Haitian citizens and their government over the long term to address the country’s many challenges and provide hope and opportunity to all Haitians.

 

(End of Text)