The Haitian business associations operate in a challenging environment, characterized by daily crises and a lack of leadership, poor membership, limited resources, and income-generating activities. Despite these obstacles, association leaders are aware of the importance of the private sector in Haiti’s economic development and are committed to their duties. However, they face difficulties mobilizing members to participate in committees and recruiting new leaders due to their limited time to devote to volunteer association activities.
Approximately fifty business associations are established in Haiti, varying in name, nature, size, and governance. Most organizations are called associations or chambers and are legally established as non-profit organizations. Some specialize by industry or geographic region, while others have a broader mandate covering all trade and industrial services nationwide. The majority of business associations were established in the 1980s or more recently.
The Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie d’Haïti (CCIH), Haiti’s first business association, was established in 1895. The CCIH estimates its universe of potential members at 1,500, while its current membership stands at approximately 300. Other associations, such as the Association Haïtienne pour le Développement et la Promotion des Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication (AHTIC) and the Manufacturers’ Association of Haiti (ADIH), have significantly lower membership numbers, with estimates ranging from 30 to 80 members.
Associations derive their revenue mainly from membership dues, which cover operating expenses such as staff salaries, rents, networking, and other petty expenses. Special events and functions are financed by sponsors and timely fundraising campaigns. The Association Professionnelle des Banques (APB) is an exception, with all nine of the country’s banks as members.
The business associations in Haiti face significant challenges in carrying out their activities effectively. They lack the capacity to advocate professionally and effectively, and their services are often poor. Despite these challenges, association leaders are committed to their duties and are aware of the importance of the private sector in Haiti’s economic development.
The assessment of business associations is based on meetings and informant interviews with association leaders, board members, and executive directors. A questionnaire was submitted to associations, and complementary documents and data were sought to substantiate the report. The findings will serve as a baseline for contract Result 2, “Strengthening Haiti’s Private Sector Associations and Chambers,” which aims to enhance Haiti’s investment climate by fostering dialogue between the private and public sectors.
The I-TRADE project, which aims to enhance Haiti’s investment climate, has identified the need to strengthen Haiti’s private sector associations and chambers. The project will select five strong organizations to be its strategic partners, and will develop specific institutional strengthening activities to ensure that the selected organizations contribute significantly to the development of a more vibrant and robust private sector.
The assessment of business associations is a critical component of the I-TRADE project, as it will enable the project to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to strengthen the private sector associations and chambers. The findings of the assessment will inform the development of the project’s work plan and will guide the project’s activities over the next several months.