Q: Why is it that you think Lebanon is good
environment for foreign investment?
A: Besides the classical and already know
comparative advantages of Lebanon such as the climate, services, human
resources and quality of life, there are other factor that play in favor of
successful investment in Lebanon.
First, Lebanon has provided a fiscal framework
that makes it relatively a heaven for investors. Examples include the income
tax that has been reduced and the social security contributions due on
employers that were taken down to acceptable levels.
Q: What kind of investment do you think is fit for
Lebanon?
A: With the diversified human skills it has of,
Lebanon can provide a proper base for technological and light industries,
tourist activities, banking and insurance and trade representation.
Q: What kind of access does Lebanon have to the
markets of other countries?
A: Lebanon is the perfect gateway not only to the
rest of the Middle East, but also to both Africa and Europe.
To the middle East because of the Great Arab Free
Trade Agreement, GAFTA, which will provide free access for Lebanese products
to market of members of the Arab League, as of 2005, and that could
constitute a good opportunity for investors and industrialists who would
like to decentralize their activities.
Moreover, Lebanon will start this year, providing
advantageous access to European markets through the cooperation agreements
negotiated with the EU.
Lebanon has also an excellent network of Lebanese
businessmen, spread all over Africa, and that could be an efficient
marketing tool for investors using our country as a gateway.
We should not forget that Lebanon is presently
undertaking negotiations to enter the WTO and will thus benefit from the
abolition of many barriers, for trade.
Q: How about the infrastructure for investment?
A: Lebanon has a good infrastructure, and
excellent telecom services.
our country has also created a legal framework, to
facilitate investment especially through IDAL with the one stop shop
operation for those willing to establish business in the country.
The complementarity of these factors, as well as
good security situation make Lebanon one of the most stable countries,
chances and choices.
Q: Who are the investors that Lebanon is trying to
attract?
A: Our first aim is to target Arab investors, but
also Europeans, and investors from North and South America, especially
countries where the Lebanese Diaspora is large and active.
Q: What are the motivations that you tell
investors about?
A high return on benefits, something that has
always materialized for people who invested in Lebanon, and not only in
terms of revenues on deposits.
A liberal law for acquisition of land and property
by non-Lebanese without the need for a local partner.
A law and an institution to guarantee the security
of investment.
And a great environment to invest in light and
technological industries, services and hotels sectors, as well as the
banking and insurance sectors through new acquisitions and mergers .
