President Michel Martelly urges Spanish companies to invest in Haiti

MADRID, - Haitian President Michel Martelly urged Spanish companies here Thursday to invest in Haiti's reconstruction, tourism and energy sectors.

Spain was the first stop of Martelly's ongoing European tour which was aimed at attracting investors for Haiti's post-quake reconstruction.

Martelly told reporters that he appreciated Spain's adherence to aid and cooperation commitments to his country. Spain is the third-largest donor to Haiti since a magnitude-7 earthquake hit the country in January 2010.

"Despite its difficult economic situation, Spain has been a champion of solidarity with Haiti," Martelly said. Spain has promised to provide Haiti with 570 million U.S. dollars in aid by 2013.

Haiti will work hard to improve financial and investment conditions for foreign investors, he said.

After Spain, Martelly will visit Belgium, France, Ireland and Britain.