During a conference on Haiti's economic development organized by Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus McCormick, U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Markets, Alexia Latortue, emphasized that "blind hope is not a strategy." This statement underscored the critical importance of security, humanitarian aid, development, investment, and trade at the 53rd Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, D.C., on Friday, September 13, 2024.

Latortue pointed out that "Haiti's macroeconomic outlook remains grim due to a disastrous security situation, poor governance, and a severe humanitarian crisis. The GDP contracted for the fifth consecutive year in 2023, and the IMF predicts a further contraction of 3% this year." She noted that Haiti is no stranger to instability, largely driven by deep-rooted corruption, lack of citizen safety, insufficient investment and job creation, and the institutions' failure to provide social assistance to Haitian citizens. "This instability diminishes growth prospects and leads to significant emigration and internal displacement," she stated, advocating for a proactive approach to the future.