Haitian Prime Minister Praises Customs Agency as Pillar of Economic Resilience Amid Crisis

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé lauded Haiti’s General Administration of Customs (AGD) during a high-profile visit to the agency on Thursday, February 6, emphasizing its critical role in safeguarding state revenue and combating smuggling amid the country’s deepening economic and political turmoil. Accompanied by Economy and Finance Minister Alfred Fils Metellus, the Prime Minister’s tour underscored the government’s push to strengthen key institutions as Haiti grapples with inflation, gang violence, and a crippled public sector.

Customs Agency hailed as “Lifeline” for Revenue

Despite operating in what Fils-Aimé called “exceptionally challenging conditions,” the AGD has maintained steady revenue flows, providing vital funds for Haiti’s cash-strapped government. The agency’s efforts have been pivotal in offsetting losses from rampant smuggling and porous borders, which drain an estimated $300 million annually from the economy, according to World Bank figures.

“The AGD’s resilience is a testament to the professionalism of its staff and leadership,” Fils-Aimé said during remarks at the agency’s headquarters. “In times of crisis, customs isn’t just a gatekeeper—it’s a guarantor of national stability.”

Modernization and Anti-Smuggling Push

The Prime Minister called for accelerated modernization of customs operations, including digitizing import-export processes and enhancing transparency to curb corruption. AGD Director General Julcène Edouard pledged to prioritize anti-smuggling initiatives, noting that illicit trade in fuel, textiles, and electronics undermines both revenue and local industries.

“Every gourde lost to smuggling is a theft from the Haitian people,” Edouard said. “We are deploying new surveillance technologies and collaborating with regional partners to secure our borders.”

Institutional Reforms Amid Political Fragility

The visit aligns with the government’s broader strategy to reinforce Haiti’s crumbling institutions. Fils-Aimé, who also chairs the High Council of the National Police (CSPN), vowed to equip agencies like the AGD with “the tools and training needed to meet their mandates,” though he did not detail funding specifics. Critics argue that without foreign aid and functional governance, such promises ring hollow.

“Customs can’t fix systemic failures alone,” said economist Marc-Arthur Fils-Aimé (no relation). “This requires judicial reforms, anti-corruption courts, and political will—all in short supply.”

Context: A Nation on the Brink

Haiti’s economy contracted by 1.8% in 2023, with inflation exceeding 50%. The AGD’s performance, while commendable, faces mounting pressure as gangs blockade ports and highways, disrupting legal trade. The agency’s success in collecting $1.2 billion in revenue last year—up 12% from 2022—offers a rare bright spot, but officials warn that gains are fragile.

As the Prime Minister departed, AGD staff lined up to shake hands—a symbolic gesture in a nation where institutional trust has eroded. Whether the visit translates into lasting reform remains uncertain, but for now, the customs agency stands as a rare pillar of functionality in Haiti’s fractured state.

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