Never before today, has an initiative given me so much satisfaction as the creation of the Haitian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIHC). We were just a few at the time we were thinking about it. But we were worth a lot considering our determination and our belief that our approach was a viable one to reinforce links of all kinds uniting Canada and Haiti.

The project was getting us excited and seemed quite adequate, considering the growing presence in Quebec of about one hundred thousands of fellow Haitians and Canadians of Haitian origin. Hence, the idea to help strengthen the momentum of integration for the development of our community, within the host society. The results would be to better understand and appreciate each other through social, cultural and sporting activities.

And of course, during the exchanges of the initial group, we did think to methodically set milestones necessary to attract to our country, capital from investors in all Canadian provinces, especially Quebec, generating sustainable employment?

It is in this spirit that we have inaugurated the CCIHC, by entrusting first the presidency to Robert H. Tippenhauer. That was our way of participating within our field in the ongoing process of adjustment of the Republic of Haiti on the triple plan: economic, social and cultural.

The honor is mine for some time to preside over the destiny of our young Chamber, together with the Vice-Presidents, Mr. Hervé Denis and Chantal Hudicourt Ewald, also, our Executive Director Ms. Elodie Cajuste Francillon and the dedicated staff of the executive office. Taking this responsibility, my first task was to strengthen the organization of missions of business people representing the private sectors in Canada and Haiti. We are showing the vast opportunities offered by our country to Canadian industrials while strengthening the ties of CCIHC with the representatives of Canada and Haiti, also, of course, with the officials of Quebec.

I seized the opportunity, on behalf of the CCIHC to thank members of the Canadian diplomatic mission in Haiti and the Haitian diplomatic mission in Ottawa, the Consulate of Haiti in Montreal and all members of the Chamber for their commitment to achieving our common goals.

We are also sincerely grateful, to those people - foreigners and Haitians - who accompany us in our initiative, for their constant and disinterested support .

Let's Wish long life to the Haitian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Industry !

A. Frantz Liautaud
President