The Miami-Dade County Commission has recently launched a new resolution linking Miami International Airport (MIA) to the Haitian Airport System through their Sister Airports Program. The project seeks to boost the economic ties between Haiti and Miami-Dade County.

Through the new program, both airport systems will collaborate by exchanging technical, financial and operational resources. The two sides will also share statistical data, marketing research and plans for airport infrastructure. The Commission hopes the closer ties will help increase and streamline passenger and cargo traffic between Miami-Dade county and Haitian airports.

"This agreement will help increase passenger traffic at our world-class airports in Miami-Dade County, while also building a relationship with the airports of Haiti," said District 2 Commissioner Jean Monestime, who is also leading the project. Monestime is also the first Haitian-American to be elected to the Miami-Dade county commission.

"It is crucial that we share our resources with Haiti during this pivotal time in the country's rebuilding process. The Sister Airports Program can enhance economic opportunity for both Miami-Dade County and Haiti by increasing passenger flows between the two airport systems. Shared information can also help improve the travel experience for those conducting business and trade between Miami-Dade County and Haiti."

The new project was an important accomplishment of a recent visit by Commissioner Monestime and Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez to Haiti this past week to boost trade and commerce between both countries.

"With the large number of Haitian-Americans we have living in Miami-Dade, I think it is important that I see what the conditions are there and how we can help them,'' said Mayor Gimenez.