Welcome to the 10th Forum of the Greater Caribbean

Invitation by the Government of Haiti

Haiti will host under the distinguished patronage of Their Excellencies, President René Préval and Prime Minister Michèle Duvivier Pierre Louis, the Tenth Business Forum of the Greater Caribbean from 21-24 October 2009. The theme of the Forum: «Building Partnerships in the Greater Caribbean».

The Minister of Trade and Industry, acting on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Haiti and the ACS Secretariat, has the distinct honour of bringing together governments, businessmen, trade promotion organisations, financial institutions, development banks and potential investors, especially those from the Greater Caribbean, at a large-scale business meeting which will provide new opportunities for investment as a means of promoting trade.

At a time when the world is moving swiftly towards becoming a global village, Caribbean countries are sensing the need to strengthen their competitiveness and to build their economies. Therefore, the Tenth Business Forum of the Greater Caribbean will provide a space for the creation of productive partnerships within the business community and among policy-makers with a view to creating business capable of resuscitating national production processes and contributing, in so doing, to the creation of wealth and the improvement of the quality of life of populations.

For businessmen in search of new business opportunities, this tenth version of the Business Forum of the Greater Caribbean provides an ideal opportunity to meet potential clients and suppliers in one of the largest markets in the region – Haiti has 10 million inhabitants and offers an economic context that is poised for the development of partnerships, joint ventures and alliances between companies and business communities. For the governments of the countries of the Greater Caribbean, this is a critical turning point in the regional integration process by facilitating the emergence of global responses to common challenges.

By opening up the event to participants, the government and people of Haiti are reaffirming their commitment to creating a Caribbean that is strong, prosperous and competitive. Therefore, we extend a special welcome to everyone in the hope that you enjoy the hospitality of the land of Toussaint Louverture where the freedom of men and women is a universal principle.

Marie Josée Georges GARNIER
Minister of Trade and Industry