Haiti: Investing

FDI in Figures

According to the UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2023, FDI inflows to Haiti decreased from USD 51 million to USD 39 million between 2021 and 2022. Still, FDI inflows to the country have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. The stock of FDI also increased in 2022, reaching USD 2 billion (around 9.9% of GDP). The transport, telecommunications, and oil sectors attract the most FDI. More recently, construction, textile, and the manufacture of automotive components have also been drawing foreign investments. The United States and the countries of the European Union are Haiti's main investors, although China has grown in importance. Haiti has also partnered with its neighbor, the Dominican Republic, to attract more FDI.

Haiti, one of the most urbanized nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, is situated in the western third of the island of Hispaniola. While Haiti's investment climate presents opportunities, it also presents significant challenges. The country boasts ample arable land and a youthful population, yet these advantages are offset by endemic corruption, inadequate infrastructure, political instability, violence in the capital, high inflation, and the emigration of numerous skilled professionals from the private and medical sectors. Despite the challenging business climate, Haiti's legislation actively promotes foreign direct investment. The government has prioritized infrastructure development, including enhancements in energy production, and has identified agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism as key investment sectors. The Haitian investment code ensures equal rights, privileges, and protection for both local and foreign companies. According to Haitian law, the business environment offers equitable treatment to all investors, including women, minorities, and foreign nationals. Various types of businesses can be established in Haiti, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, joint-stock companies, public corporations, subsidiaries of foreign companies, and cooperative societies, with corporations being the most prevalent business structure. Foreign firms are incentivized to engage in government-funded development projects. Performance requirements are typically not mandated on foreign firms as prerequisites for initiating or expanding investments, unless explicitly stated in a signed contract. Haiti’s overall business climate is considered poor, and the country ranks 172nd among the 180 economies on the 2023 Corruption Perception Index and 155th out of 184 countries on the latest Index of Economic Freedom.

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Latest Update: May 2024