On November 16, 2012, Laurent Lamothe, then Prime Minister of Haiti, participated in the Global Entrepreneurship Week hosted by St. Thomas University. During this event, he delivered a speech titled “Unleashing Entrepreneurship in Haiti”, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities related to entrepreneurial development in the country.
In his address, Lamothe emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth and poverty reduction in Haiti. He discussed the obstacles faced by Haitian entrepreneurs, including limited access to financing, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of institutional support.
To tackle these challenges, the Prime Minister outlined several initiatives implemented by his government to foster a business-friendly environment. These measures included simplifying administrative procedures for starting businesses, improving basic infrastructure, and promoting public-private partnerships to attract investments.
Lamothe also highlighted the critical role of the Haitian diaspora in the country’s economic development. He encouraged members of the diaspora to invest in Haiti and share their expertise to support local entrepreneurs.
In conclusion, Laurent Lamothe reaffirmed his commitment to supporting entrepreneurship as a strategic lever for Haiti’s sustainable development. He called for stronger collaboration among the government, the private sector, and the international community to unlock the country’s entrepreneurial potential.
To watch his full speech, you can view the video here: