Publication

This brief examines US spending in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. It argues that despite an emphasis on rebuilding the private sector in Haiti, there has been very little direct procurement of goods or services from local businesses. However, the authors argue that spending money in this way could multiply the effect of US assistance. This is because local procurement not only purchases the immediately needed goods and services, it also helps the private sector grow, create jobs and encourage entrepreneurs through such purchases.