Haiti is working to attract foreign investment and position itself as an exporter despite its reputation as an impoverished country in need of aid. It is actively courting American companies through new agencies that help investors find local partners and offer incentives. The Haitian government is focused on public-private partnerships and "aid for trade" programs to create export-oriented jobs. A major industrial park project could represent $300 million in investment and over 25 million square feet of factory and office space. Entrepreneurs are already investing in crops like vanilla that can be profitably exported. Haiti wants to strengthen economic ties with the U.S. and become a gateway to the Caribbean region again through trade and investment.