From Aid to Trade: How Aid Organizations, Businesses, and Governments Can Work Together: Lessons Learned from Haiti

by Daniel Jean-Louis, Jacqueline Klamer

Why do poor countries remain poor? Why, after receiving billions of dollars, do poor countries remain poor? Why are failing foreign aid models utilized over and over again? After the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, authors Daniel Jean-Louis and Jacqueline Klamer observed first-hand the negative consequences of donations provided with the sincerest of good intentions—donations that ultimately undermined local industries and wiped out jobs. Based on primary research and in-depth case studies, and personal experience, From Aid to Trade offers practical, achievable solutions to help Haiti—and other developing countries—grow more viable economies • building on innovative businesses and existing market-based systems • equipping NGOs and governments to work with local businesses • recognizing that growing out of poverty requires entrepreneurial solutions that drive self-sustainable economic growth Ambitious and optimistic, From Aid to Trade confronts the inadequacies of current foreign aid strategies and offers a clear means of economic and personal growth for individuals seeking a positive future for Haiti and other developing countries.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2016

About the author

Daniel Jean-Louis is the CEO of Bridge Capital, president of Baptist Haiti Mission, and author of From Aid to Trade & From Trade to Self-Sustainability.

Reviews

[Mary Bosco · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Christian and as an American, I have often donated items for disaster relief somewhere in the world. I have donated clothing and toiletry items. Jean-Louis and Klamer explain why these types of donations may not be the most beneficial to a country in need. Sometimes our good intentions put local businesses out of business and that doesn't apply just to individuals or charitable organizations. Government aid is often in the best interest of the government giving the aid not the people who need it.

From this book I learned to ask more questions of organizations that provide aid and that a cash donation, even a small one, may do more good than the stuff I might get at the dollar store or on sale.

[Allen Cagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough and readable guide to helping without hurting

If you are interested in helping in Haiti or anywhere in the developing world, this book is a must read. The structure of the book is helpful as it moves between economic theory (explained in user friendly way) and then giving case studies. I plan to read it again!