Executive

Haiti: Minister Lamothe and Minister Juppé Press Conference in France

PARIS, France (defend.ht) - The Haitian delegation was received with military honors in France on Tuesday, which according to an expert in diplomatic affairs, was the first for a Haitian diplomat.

Minister Laurent Lamothe, of Foreign Affairs, led the delegation to a meeting with Alain Juppé, the French Minister for Foreign and European Affairs.

The discussion surrounded the topic of business diplomacy and the immediate emergencies of Haiti for its development and reconstruction. The delegation also raised the issue of tax reform initiated by the Haitian government and the efforts of the President Michel Martelly, to revive economic growth.

Minister Alain Juppé promised, without delay, technical assistance to help Haiti use modern and efficient means for tax collection, which will enable the Government of Haiti to achieve all of its taxpayers, especially the 97 percent who pay nothing to the state.

Minister Lamothe invited France to support the efforts of Haiti in the field of investments for job creation, education, infrastructure, health, sanitation and agro-industry.

Minister Lamothe noted to the French that President Martelly intends to establish a new security force to combat smuggling which causes losses of more than $320 million in a year, according to the ministry.