In an effort to strengthen trade relations between Haiti and The Bahamas, Agriculture Minister V. Alfred Gray made a trip to Haiti to discuss zoo-phytosanitary standards and quality control with a view to signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries on the marketing of Haitian agricultural products in the country.

The meeting follows discussions held between President Michel Martelly and Prime Minister Perry Christie during various international meetings.

A large Haitian delegation, coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development (MARNDR) including MAEC, MCI, MARNDR, APN and the embassy of Haiti in the Bahamas, submitted to Bahamian authorities four drafts agreements between the two countries on, bilateral cooperation, the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments, scientific and technical cooperation on reinforcement of capacities of port institutions, and on trade and technical cooperation in the area of quality control of exportable agricultural products and fisheries.

Bahamian delegation held several meetings with executives of MARNDR, MCI / BHN.

Bahamian authorities also visited the University of Limonade, Laboratory Tamarind and companies that produce bananas, mango, coffee and other products.

Haitian authorities also worked with the Bahamian delegation on the text of the Memorandum of Understanding on technical cooperation and marketing of agricultural and fishing.

The products covered include bananas, cereals, mango, pigeon peas, peanuts, yam, potatoes coffee, cocoa and meat.
Mr. Gray expressed satisfaction with his assessment mission in Haiti while underlining the efforts of Haitian companies to meet internationally accepted and recognized health standards.

“Now The Bahamas is ready to sign with Haiti the memorandum of understanding on quality control of agriculture products and fisheries.” He said.

He added that the strong presence of the Haitian community in The Bahamas, evaluated to more than fifty thousand 50,000 will provide an opportunity for all those Haitian nationals willing to return home, because they will find great possibilities to have access to wealth.

For the Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development Thomas Jacques, the signing of this agreement which will take place during the official visit of President Martelly to the Bahamas on July 29 is the palpable evidence of efforts of the Martelly’s administration to create the necessary conditions to promote investment in the country, to seek new markets for Haitian products and stimulate the economy.