For many companies (particularly in the manufacturing and construction sectors), frequent visits to Haiti and establishing a presence through local agents are critical to long-term market success.  Many exporters rely upon local distributors to market their products, and foreign businesses often employ local agents familiar with the appropriate offices within the government, allowing them to take advantage of local and regional expertise while sharing the burden of risk with the local firms.  Many Haitian businesses hold exclusivity agreements with international companies.  Businesses should thoroughly research potential local distributors and agents.

The U.S. Department of Commerce should be the first point of contact for U.S. firms interested in doing business in Haiti.  The United States Export Assistance Center (USEAC) offices in the United States, as well as the Commercial Service (CS) offices located abroad, will inform any interested U.S. firm of the best methods for finding an agent or distributor in Haiti.

The Commercial Section at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti is a partner of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which allows it to offer a range of commercial services to U.S. companies seeking to do business in Haiti.  The U.S. Foreign Commercial Service in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, works with U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince and may assist U.S. companies in peforming their due diligence when choosing local business partners.  Please visit the following sites: Export Information and Economic Data on Business in Haiti.