The Haitian Economy And The Hope Act

In Dec. 2006, the 109th Cong. passed the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006 (HOPE I), which included special trade rules that give preferential access to U.S. imports of Haitian apparel. These rules were intended to promote investment in the apparel industry as one element of a broader economic growth and development plan. The 110th Cong. amending HOPE I with HOPE II, which extended the preferences for 10 years, expanded coverage of duty-free treatment to more apparel products, and simplified the rules, making them easier to use. Contents of this report: Political and Social Challenges to Haitian Develop.; Econ. Background; Apparel Production; Haiti HOPE Act; HELP Act; Outlook. Illus.