The construction sector in Haiti has contributed significantly to economic growth since the 2010 earthquake, accounting for over 10% of GDP. However, the sector faces many challenges like a lack of industry standards and access to capital. In July 2015, the first Haitian construction exposition and trade fair (MATCON) was held to help address these issues. Over 67 companies participated and 4,000 people attended the 3-day event, demonstrating the sector's talent and potential to support Haiti's future if challenges are overcome. The event helped foster collaboration between businesses and showed that high quality, local construction is possible in Haiti.

1. Since the earthquake in 2010, the Haitian economy has leaned
heavily on its construction sector for rebuilding and growth, and
the sector has held up to this pressure like a steel beam,
accounting for 10.3% of Haiti’s gross domestic product (GDP)
in FY 2013-2014 and 25% of the overall increase in GDP
growth from the previous period. However, despite the sector’s
critical function in ensuring Haiti’s economic future and growth,
it is weighed down with systemic challenges—many of which
are avoidable. Fundamental structural issues, such as a lack of
industry standards and enforcement agencies, as well as
insufficient access to capital, hinder Haitian companies from
providing their country with high-quality and affordable work.
Technical schools lack sufficient, elementary materials, such as
wood, that are needed to provide students with hands-on
training. Therefore, carpentry students are forced to learn the
trade through lectures, rather than through experience. Finally,
core business issues, such as a diminished ability to compete
with international firms due to high costs for imported materials
and few local alternatives, equally damage the sector.
Collectively, the situation can make any business owner throw
up her hands and say, “It’s not worth it. I just can’t!”
Yet, despite these constraints, construction companies can
contribute to their country’s economy, as proven through the
increased GDP contribution from the sector. This growth is a
testament to the integral nature of the construction industry in
the Haitian economy, but more importantly to the tenacity and
commitment of private-sector construction firms.
The construction sector’s tenacity resulted in its convening at
Haiti’s first-ever construction exposition and trade fair:
MATCON 2015. Recognizing that working as a unified sector is
the only way to both move Haitian construction forward and
create the jobs so desperately needed in Haiti, 67 private
companies and industry organizations participated in MATCON
for three days from July 10–12, 2015, at the SONAPI industrial
park in Port-au-Prince. Hosted by the Haitian American
Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and supported by the US
Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Local
Haitian Construction: “Wi, nou kapab!”
Success Story
The US Agency for International
Development- supported MATCON Trade
Fair proved that the Haitian construction
sector has raw materialsto grow the
economy and create Haitian jobs.
The MATCON 2015 Planning
Committee celebrates a spectacular first
day.
Photocredit:AmCham

2. Enterprise and Value Chain Enhancement (LEVE) project, the
trade fair brought together 4,000 attendees to say to Haiti, and
the world, “Wi, nou kapab!” (Yes, we can!)
In total, MATCON had 78 booths, 25 education sessions, 30
industry demonstrations, and one first-of-its kind Olympiad skills
competition to display the talents of technical and vocational
students. MATCON proved that the Haitian construction sector
has the raw talent to support Haiti’s future.
As one participant, Christian Tribié, an employee of the local
construction supplier Charles Fequiere S.A., explained, “Its
three days of collaboration and sharing…there may be times
where the sector lacks collaboration, but that is something that
will change and improve because of MATCON.”
Both attendees and exhibitors benefited from the three days of
collaboration and sharing. All the booths were of world-class
quality, and exhibitors found themselves in friendly competition
to display their very best. Every attendee prospered from
constant business-to-business networking and a full program
schedule. Events ranged from the inauguration of a public-
private roundtable discussing resolutions for workforce training
issues, to product demonstrations and NGO presentations.
Most importantly, every session was filled to capacity;
participants were more than eager to engage in opportunities to
learn and share about their trade.
Thanks to targeted support from LEVE, micro and small
enterprises were also able to benefit from the opportunities the
trade fair offered. LEVE supported several small firms that
would not otherwise have been able to participate with booth
sponsorships, including fees and promotional materials. The
project’s assistance to these firms allowed them to shine and
share with Haiti their enthusiasm and capabilities. One small
business owner, Laforest Eddisson from Groupe Eddison
Construction, was excited to promote his work stating, “Most of
the visitors didn't know Haiti could offer this good service and
expertise.” Yves Francois of YCF Group, which provides safety
and standards training and technical assistance, echoed
Laforest’s sentiments and was eager to participate in MATCON
and showcase his firm’s commitment to, as he said, “make a
difference in ensuring safer quality construction is delivered in
Haiti.”
For participants, exhibitors, and invited government officials,
MATCON was an exciting and foundational step in formalizing
the Haitian construction sector. The event proved that the
Haitian construction sector is strong and ready to work. As
Christian Tribié noted regarding construction, “MATCON is here
to say there is NO reason to go outside of Haiti.” Support and
planning for MATCON 2016 is already underway with the vision
of a broader conference, more educational opportunities, and
additional linkages to international bidding opportunities.
Photocredit:AmCham
Heavy Machinery atMATCON 2015.
Photocredit:AmCham
YCFGroup members prepares for the
trade show.
“There may be times where the sector lacks
collaboration, but that is something that will
change and improve because of MATCON,”
said Christian Tribié, an employee with local
construction supplier Charles Fequiere S.A.