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HAITI PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE URGES U.S. TRADE LEGISLATION; SUPPORTS PRIVATE SECTOR ROLE

Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (ANH) December 15, 2005 -- In a letter to U.S. Senate
Majority Leader Bill Frist and U.S. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, Haiti's Independent Presidential Candidate, Charles Henri Baker, urges timely passage of U.S. legislation to provide preferential trade benefits to Haiti.

Baker noted that, in recent years, members of the U.S. House and Senate have proposed similar bills that would give preferential trade treatment to Haiti's hard pressed textile industry, namely, the Haitian Economic Recovery Act (HERO) and the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE). Both of these bills would provide U.S. duty free treatment for some types of apparel wholly assembled in Haiti. This would give an urgently needed boost to the Haitian economy and help to provide thousands of new jobs.

In urging passage of the trade legislation, Baker said, "We strongly support the spirit of the legislation in the U.S. Congress which calls on Haiti to make continual progress toward establishing (a) a market-based economy that protects private property rights, incorporates an open rules-based trading system, and minimizes government interference in the economy through measures such as price controls, subsidies, and government ownership of economic assets; (b) the rule of law, political pluralism, and the right to due process, a fair trial, and equal protection under the law; and (c) the elimination of barriers to United States trade and investment. We are committed to these objectives which we view as
prerequisites to sustainable political and economic development in Haiti."

Baker said, "Early next year, millions of Haitians will go to the polls and they will vote for a new positive and forward looking direction for our country's history. A strong economy and a dynamic private sector will be essential components of our revitalized democratic process. Favorable and timely consideration of this legislation will greatly support our development efforts."

Charles Henri Baker is an Independent Candidate for President of Haiti.

The text of the Mr. Baker's letter follows:

The Honorable Bill Frist, MD
Majority Leader
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C.

The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert
Speaker of the House
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.

Dear Senator Frist and Representative Hastert:

I am writing to ask your strong and immediate support of proposed and pending U.S. preferential trade legislation that will greatly benefit the people of Haiti.

In recent years, members of the U.S. House and Senate have proposed similar bills that would give preferential trade treatment to Haiti's hard pressed textile industry, namely, the Haitian Economic Recovery Act (HERO) and the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE). Both of these bills would provide an urgently needed boost to our economy and help to provide thousands of new jobs for citizens of Haiti.

We strongly support the spirit of the legislation in the U.S. Congress which calls on Haiti to make continual progress toward establishing (a) a market-based economy that protects private property rights, incorporates an open rules-based trading system, and minimizes government interference in the economy through measures such as price controls, subsidies, and government ownership of economic assets; (b) the rule of law, political pluralism, and the right to due process, a fair trial, and equal protection under the law; and (c) the elimination of barriers to United States trade and investment. We are committed to these objectives which we view as prerequisites to sustainable political and economic development in Haiti.

Early next year, millions of Haitians will go to the polls and they will vote for a new positive and forward looking direction for our country's history. A strong economy and a dynamic private sector will be essential components of our revitalized democratic process. Favorable and timely consideration of this legislation will greatly support our development efforts.

On behalf of all Haitians, I ask that you give expedited and priority consideration to the pending legislation which will strengthen the ties between our two countries and help create a strong foundation for our economic revitalization.

Sincerely,

Charles Henri Baker
Independent Candidate for President
Port-au-Prince
Republic of Haiti

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