Port-au-Prince - Edward Greene, Division Chief of the Technical Cooperation Division of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) held talks yesterday with the Minister of Commerce and Industry of Haiti that were described as both “frank and productive". In addition, Greene met with a senior official of CARIFESTA, the Caribbean Festival of the Arts, and affirmed the Bank' commitment to support of the creative arts. Haiti is playing host to CARIFESTA XII from August 21-30. Greene' discussions with Jude Hervey Day, Haiti' Minister of Commerce and Industry, came as the CDB prepares to enter into grant agreements with the Ministry that will fund two projects that will lead the way to improvements in the country' implementation of both the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and CARIFORUM, and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The projects, to be implemented by the Ministry, are being funded through the CSME Standby Facility and the EPA Standby Facility. Division Chief, Technical Cooperation Division, Edward Greene (right) shakes hands with Jude Hervey Day, Haiti' Minister of Commerce and Industry, during their talks in Haiti on Tuesday, August 25, 2015. “The discussions with the Minister as well as members of the ministry who will have the ultimate responsibility for implementation of the projects were both encouraging and positive," said Greene. “The Minister pledged his Ministry' full cooperation and support for the EPA and CSME projects. At the same time, we were able to assure the Minister of the CDB' continued and unwavering support to Haiti in promoting regional cooperation and integration given the country' geographic and political status within the Caribbean." Under the CSME Standby Facility grant agreement, Haitian firms will enjoy greater access to trade information, especially the market requirements and trading opportunities with CARICOM Member States. The project will also increase the capacity of the MCI to provide trade support services to businesses wishing to export to CARICOM. The grant amount for this project will be $269,599 USD. The EPA Standby Facility grant will assist Haiti in its efforts to gain access to United States and European markets by improving the country' national quality infrastructure. The result of this project will be that Haitian enterprises will be able to demonstrate that their products and processes meet key international standards required to export to those and other markets. Funding for this grant from the EPA Standby Facility will total $586,370 USD. The two projects form part of the relationship between CARIFORUM (the grouping of CSME member states plus the Dominican Republic) and the European Union. The two facilities are managed by the Caribbean Development Bank. Following his meetings at the MCI, Greene held informal discussions with world-renowned artist Philippe Dodard, known as “The Picasso of Haiti" who is the Artistic Director of CARIFESTA and praised Haiti for its efforts in hosting the festival. Division Chief, Technical Cooperation Division, Edward Greene (left) meets with Philippe Dodard, CARIFESTA Artistic Director. “The Bank continues to seek innovative ways to support artistes throughout the region in their endeavours. CARIFESTA is an outstanding showcase of both the performing and creative arts, and Haiti is to be commended for both hosting this event as well as showcasing the natural beauty and the artistic strength of her people," concluded Greene. Lire en fran√ßaise