Haiti is 10.4-million people, of whom 35 per cent are children under 15. The country has always had great potential - and this is still the case. Our ill fortune has long been a matter of bad governance. And now things have changed.

Haitian diplomacy will be oriented toward the influx of foreign capital, direct investments that create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Countries should think of Haiti not as a place where to do charity but a place where to invest and do business. And doing business in Haiti means poverty reduction.

Dear friends of Haiti, we are indeed on the right track. Slowly but surely we are rising from the ashes.

Haiti is open for business!

Canadians have been very generous toward Haiti after the earthquake and, thanks to you, our most vulnerable people have received food, drinkable water, shelter, medical care and education. For that, we are extremely grateful.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, I will work on deepening Haiti's links with its traditional partners from the north and the south, while exploring all the opportunities for economic, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation that may benefit my country.