The Caribbean Development Bank, in collaboration with the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality and the Bureau Haïtien de Normalisation, officially inaugurated the “Capacity Building for Strengthening Quality Infrastructure in Haiti” initiative during a virtual ceremony on June 30, 2025.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Ezra Ledger, Chair of CROSQ, underscored the significance of this project in advancing regional quality infrastructure, according to a CDB media release. The Bank defines this initiative as a year-long technical assistance program aimed at bolstering the institutional and technical capabilities of BHN, Haiti’s national standards authority. Its primary goal is reportedly to reinforce Haiti’s National Quality Infrastructure, enhance service delivery, and foster competitiveness among the private sector—especially Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises.
During the launch event, Dr. Sharonmae Smith-Walker, CEO of CROSQ, referenced the Haitian proverb, “Men anpil, chay pa lou,” meaning “many hands make the load lighter.” She stated, “This project is a reflection of that principle, as several hands have joined together today—the EU, CDB, BHN, and other development partners—focusing on building capacity critical to establishing a resilient national quality infrastructure in Haiti.”
Funded by the European Union, the project benefits from support through the Economic Partnership Agreement and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy Standby Facility for Capacity Building, managed by CDB. The initiative is overseen by CROSQ, with BHN serving as the national implementing body. The total budget allocated for this effort is EUR 342,136, as reported by the CDB.
Ms. Lisa Harding, Division Chief of Private Sector at CDB, highlighted how the project aligns with the bank’s new strategic vision. She noted, “This initiative exemplifies our bold direction—by strengthening Haiti’s national quality infrastructure, we empower MSMEs, improve consumer protection, and drive sustainable, inclusive economic growth. It serves as a catalyst for progress throughout the region.”
Representing the European Union, Ms. Gisela García Perez, Programme Officer for Infrastructure and Urban Development, emphasized the broader strategic importance of the project. She explained, “This is more than just an institutional upgrade; it is a strategic intervention supporting economic transformation, trade facilitation, and regulatory strengthening.
She also explained that the plans align with the European Union’s EPA and CSME priorities, as well as the Global Gateway objectives to build resilient institutions and an effective global network of MSMEs.
Haiti’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, the Honourable James Monazard, along with BHN’s Director, reportedly reaffirmed Haiti’s resilience and unwavering commitment to enhancing national capacity. According to the CDB reports, they stressed the importance of this initiative in improving local quality infrastructure and empowering Haitian producers and exporters to meet international standards.
This partnership represents an important step toward integrating Haiti more fully into regional and international markets, says the CDB. The successful implementation of the project is expected to foster sustainable economic development, safeguard consumers, and stimulate innovation across Haiti and the wider Caribbean region.
The Standby Facility, managed by CDB, comprises €8.75 million allocated to support 15 Caribbean economies. The Bank stated that the Facility aims to promote trade, deepen regional integration, enhance competitiveness, and expand market access and exports through targeted projects in various thematic areas.
The EU has never meant well for Haiti. They know better than that. There are underlying unseen things that will not auger well for Haiti, never has from EU, France, Canada the whole miserable bunch keeping the Haitian People land. They are pretending to assist (aid) with things for a population of 60,000 in population setting of 10 million people tells us something different.