AAFA signs MOU with Association of Industries of Haiti

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – April 24, 2018 – Today, the American Apparel & Footwear Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH) for future collaboration on issues related to the industry. The signing kicked off the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s conference – Supply Chain Innovation: The Key to Success in the New Retail Dynamic – in Washington, D.C.

“Haiti is a special partner in the global apparel and footwear value chain and continues to inspire our industry as we formalize our relationship with the Association of Industries of Haiti,” said Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “After years of hardship, the business is finally growing again, and this is a very important time for our association to join in this international partnership; one that will provide opportunities for our membership and for the proud citizens of Haiti.”

“ADIH is honored to work with an organization as respected as the American Apparel & Footwear Association, which represents many of the great brands ADIH members do business with as part of an integrated supply chain,” said Georges B. Sassine, president of ADIH. “Partnering with AAFA is critically important to strengthen the longstanding ties between U.S. companies and Haiti’s manufacturing industry to promote mutually sustainable economic benefits. ADIH and its members are appreciative of and excited by this opportunity.”

Today there are nearly 55,000 workers employed by the industry in Haiti, contributing to approximately $871 million worth of annual exports to the United States.