Panelists included the minister of finance and governor Central Bank of Haiti, representatives from Citi and the banks operating in Haiti, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, the US Agency for International Development, the US Federal Reserve, the US Treasury Department and the World Bank, among others.
Key topics discussed included the challenges and opportunities facing the banking sector; the management of aid related financial inflows; ideas on how to increase availability of credit and improve credit risk, including supply chain finance; and leveraging emerging technologies to create the transparency, efficiency and control that will optimize treasury management for the public sector.
Ronald Baudin, minister of finance of Haiti, stressed the Haitian government’s determination to create a favorable business climate and attract foreign direct investment in the country, particularly in infrastructure related projects.
Charles Castel, governor of Central Bank of Haiti, said: “The Haitian banking system’s role is crucial for an economic recovery and growth. This Leadership Roundtable has been an important opportunity to pursue a constructive dialogue and work together toward achieving this major goal, through innovative solutions which enable to channel credit to viable firms to sustain growth.”
James Wolfensohn, chairman of Citi International Advisory Board and former president of World Bank, said: “Citi is committed to leveraging its experience, knowledge and expertise to help Haiti develop and expand the existing capabilities of its banking system.”
Francisco Aristeguieta of Citi, said: “The rebuilding efforts under way in Haiti, where we have presence since 1971, should serve as an opportunity to strengthen and modernize Haiti’s financial system. We are pleased that this Leadership Roundtable has convened global, regional and country financial leaders to develop short and long term actions to enhance the financial system in Haiti.”
