tourism - Haiti Observer Blog

Leopard Capital has inked a deal with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to set up the first private equity fund to re-energize Haitian small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) wiped out by the 2010 earthquake.

With a goal of securing $40 to $75 million to re-capitalize Haitian businesses, the Leopard Haiti Fund (LHF) has attracted $20 million in funding from three development banks: IFC, LHF's senior partner, has invested $8.5 million; the Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) $8.5 million; and Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) $3.0 million.

LHF will pour financing into four potential-growth areas: food manufacturing, sustainable energy, tourism, and low-income housing. The bulk of LHF's financial resources will help already-open businesses grow by re-capitalizing operations and restoring structural damage. A portion of LHF's investment funds will support SMEs and new businesses.

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While Haiti is trying hard to promote the tourism industry, a lot has to be done in order to make this goal successful. According to Dr Jean Orelien, a Haiti-American native, there is a lot of potential for investment in Haiti if only a good business environment will be created. He is one of the investors who are keen on investing in the tourism industry.

Jean Orelien is the chief executive officer at a healthcare firm at Scimetrica. He is hopeful that the economy of Haiti will be growing fast if the recent trend will be maintained. He said that with an economic growth of 8%, the country will be moving towards double in the next three years. The club has already started a security project plus there is more architectural work going on in this region. The aim of the project is to have as many people as possible applying for shares to the club in the US.

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Magloire was born on July 19, 1907 in Cap Haitien, Haiti. He gained his leadership skills from his mother, General Magloire Rose. He joined the Haitian army in 1930 but due to his hard work he was promoted to Police Chief of Port-au- Prince in 1944. In 1946 he took part in coup against President Elie Lescot. His ability to fight for his rights made him to become the president in 1950 after removing President Dumarsais Estime from power.

He was a great leader who improved tourism in Haiti through maintaining good relations with US and European tourists. Magloire used the money the country got from coffee export to develop Haiti by repairing towns, building roads, public building and dam building. He was a social being who cerebrated and held parties with Haitians always. He empowered women's suffrage institutions.

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