Caribbean Community leaders pressed Washington to extend trade programs that allow Haitian textile manufacturers duty-free access to American markets. The regional bloc issued a statement on Tuesday, warning that failure to renew the Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement and the Haiti Economic Lift Program acts would trigger business closures and unemployment across Haiti's garment sector. Officials said the preferential arrangement supports economic stability when Haiti requires greater international assistance.
CARICOM urged the White House and Congress to act quickly on legislation that maintains manufacturing operations and investment flows between Haitian producers and United States buyers. The government coalition described the trade framework as vital to Haiti's development and commercial relationships with American enterprises.
