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Haitian American business leaders launch federation to unify chambers of commerce globally

today2025-07-28

Haitian American business leaders launch federation to unify chambers of commerce globally
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A group of Haitian American chamber leaders launched a new initiative to unify chambers of commerce across Haiti and the global diaspora. The Federation of Haitian Chambers of Commerce officially launched Friday under the leadership of the presidents of the chambers of commerce in Georgia, Orlando, Tampa, Southwest Florida and South Florida.

The federation brings together over 800 business owners across chambers in Georgia and Florida. Plans are underway to onboard the Haitian Chamber of Commerce of the North in Haiti, Haitian Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain, the Chilean-Haitian Chamber of Commerce and the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida.

“We have to organize,” said Ronald Cetoute, president of the Georgia Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce, in front of a room of Haitian business leaders gathered in Atlanta to commemorate the launch. 

“The wealthiest group of Haitians on the planet are right here in this country and in this room, yet our power is so underutilized.”

Leaders emphasized that the federation is not meant to override or control individual chambers. Rather, it will serve as a backbone for shared initiatives and collective resource-building. The group is planning trade missions, business accelerator programs, and a Global Business Conference in Atlanta, expected to host delegations from Haiti, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and more. A key initiative is the BEL Trade & Investment Mission, held in partnership with the Go Global Conference hosted by the Atlanta Black Chambers. It features two tracks: the Haiti/Haitian-American Track Sept. 29–Oct. 1, focused on B2B matchmaking and direct engagement with Haitian businesses and investors; and the Go Global Trade Track, Sept. 29–Oct. 5, which includes access to Haiti-specific events and broader international programming.

Other early federation efforts include the Haiti Business Accelerator Program, led by Vladimir Laborde, to connect Haitian entrepreneurs with diaspora and global investors; a Cross Membership Program that provides reciprocal benefits across chambers; and the ChamberStart Initiative, which supports building chambers in underserved communities. Together, these programs aim to grow Haitian entrepreneurship and expand the diaspora’s global economic influence.

The launch event brought together dozens of chamber leaders and community members, with speakers stressing the importance of cross-border collaboration and unified economic development. 

They called for the federation to become a central voice for Haitian business owners worldwide, with an emphasis on increasing visibility and participation in international trade.

“The more we’re able to work together with a unified voice, the more opportunities we’ll see from major organizations, elected officials and governments – both in our respective cities and states, but also from around the world,” said Jean Perpillant, president, Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce in Orlando.

Cetoute emphasized that the federation is not a governing body, but instead a group meant to foster collaboration and access to opportunities.

“My call to other chambers is for you all to join us hand in hand at this very moment to do something that’s bigger than ourselves,” Cetoute said

The post Haitian American business leaders launch federation to unify chambers of commerce globally appeared first on The Haitian Times.

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