Thailand may be miles away, both in distance and culture, from Haiti. Yet both countries have found common ground, exploring new trading relations through the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF). Members of HACCOF organized a trade mission in Haiti with representatives from the Thai Trade Center Miami, from January 23 to 29.

"Thailand is an important potential market for Haiti," said Pierre A. Saliba, chairman of HACCOF. "This represents a great step forward."

"This trade mission means we are working to build a trade relationship between the two countries that will provide sustainable jobs for people in Haiti," said Jeff Lozama, board member of HACCOF.

The delegation included Saliba, Lozama, Consul General Designee of Haiti in Miami Francois Guillaume, director of the Thai Trade Center Kanya Amorntheerakul and International Trade Officer of Thailand Pheeraphat Phatrapsit. Representatives met will local business owners and members of commerce in Port-au-Prince, Cap Haitian and Les Cayes, and toured the newly launched Caracol Industrial Park.

The HACCOF mission sought to build a bridge between businesses in Haiti and manufacturers in Thailand, and present Haiti's potential to Thai investors. Resulting from the successful mission, two business delegations from Haiti will attend the Thailand Auto Parts and Accessories Convention (TAPA) in April and the World Food Asia Expo (THAIFEX) in May this year in Bangkok.

HACCOF and the Thai Trade Center Miami are also preparing a trade mission of Thai investors to Haiti later this year.