International donors have raised 324 million dollars in aid to help Haiti - one of the world's poorest nations - cope with the economic crisis and a year of devastating hurricanes. The conference in Washington was attended by representatives from more than 40 countries and international groups hoping to help the Caribbean nation build a stabile democracy after decades of violence and military coups.

Speaking at the gathering, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said that progress made by Haiti in recent years is endangered by the global economic crisis and the aftermath of last year's hurricanes.

"The trajectory of progress for Haiti ... has been undermined by the combined winds of hurricanes and the global economic recession. So Haiti is in danger of stalling," Clinton said in announcing a US contribution of 57 million dollars.

The US money is targeted for roads and other infrastructure projects, agricultural development, combating drug trafficking and overcoming a major budget shortfall.

"This conference gives us all an opportunity to reignite its path to progress by working as a team with Haiti at the helm to advance a comprehensive, long-term strategy for Haiti's growth," Clinton said.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the international community should not pass up the chance to bring a better life to Haitians.

"We have an opportunity to bring something more - a measure of real promise and potential prosperity," Ban said.