The Cap-Haïten Customs Support Project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to modernize customs procedures and clearances at the Port of Cap-Haïten. The project’s primary objective is to streamline processes for clearing imported and exported goods, incorporating international best practices, reducing waste, and increasing revenue.
The project’s scope encompasses six key areas: organizational structure, human resources, capacity building and training, technology and infrastructure, technology and infrastructure, operational processes, and cooperation and communication. The project’s assistance in year one focused on transactions and facilitation, with no direct involvement in legal and regulatory aspects of trade.
A meeting was organized by Chief of Party Steve Létourneau with AGD and USAID officials to discuss the port rehabilitation issue and potential challenges for timely implementation of Component III: ICT Procurement, Installation. The meeting aimed to reach consensus on AGD building plans within the overall Cap-Haïten Port rehabilitation.
Capacity building and training were also a significant focus of the project. An assessment of AGD capacity building and training was completed, and approval was received for the contract modification No.2, which included replacing the Capacity Building and Training expert. The assessment was shared with AGD for comments and submitted to USAID.
The project also designed and administered TFA Training, which included Trade Facilitation Agreement training materials, Kirkpatrick Level 1, 2, and 2 evaluations, and continued support for providing Training-of-Trainers to AGD employees to build training capacity.
Component IV, On-Going Capacity Building, involved the development of a list of training topics and a training schedule for AGD. The training will include classroom training, exercises, on-the-job training, and mentoring. The curriculum will be developed in partnership with AGD and communicated to participants, allowing for feedback.
The project’s training will focus on six technical areas: Risk Management, Leadership, Communication, Intelligence, Targeting of passengers and goods, Containers and Vessels searches, and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO). After each training session, the Nathan team will provide feedback and continue to build on-going training capacity.
The project’s progress in year one demonstrates its commitment to modernizing customs procedures and clearances at the Port of Cap-Haïten. The project’s assistance in transactions and facilitation, capacity building and training, and technology and infrastructure will contribute to the overall goal of streamlining processes for clearing imported and exported goods.
The project’s success in year one sets the stage for continued progress in the coming years. The project’s focus on building training capacity and providing training to AGD employees will enable AGD to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to implement the project’s objectives.
The project’s geographic focus is on the Port of Cap-Haïten, with a specific emphasis on the AGD’s involvement in the development of On-Going Capacity Building and Training. The project’s recommendations for year two includes addressing the port rehabilitation issue and implementing the project’s objectives.
The project’s timeframes and recommendations for year two include addressing the port rehabilitation issue, implementing the project’s objectives, and continuing to build training capacity. The project’s success in year one demonstrates its commitment to modernizing customs procedures and clearances at the Port of Cap-Haïten.