An official mission from Haiti, headed by Haiti?s Industry and Commerce Minister Stanley Theard, wants to start talks on a free trade agreement between both countries. Minister Theard, in a press conference after meeting with President Mejia, invited Dominican businessmen to look into the Haitian market. He urged them to seriously consider investment projects in Haiti, either setting up their own operations or carrying out a joint venture with Haitian businessmen. Dominican businessmen are open to setting up industries in Haiti or along the border with Haiti to take advantage of the wide open quotas for apparel production in Haiti. To strengthen the customs system, Minister Theard announced that Haitian and Dominican customs departments will work closely to reduce red tape and other obstacles that encouraged illegal trade. Theard visited the DR with a mission of Haitian government officers and businessmen.
