Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Hariri: Government’s Priority is to Regain Trust in Lebanon and Boost Economy | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
Select Page
Media ID: 55364342
Caption:

Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri waves to journalists, shown before his election upon his arrival to the parliament building in Beirut, Lebanon, October 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)


Beirut – Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri said the new government would work on drafting strategies aimed at developing Lebanon’s economy.

“I want you all, as investors, to be part of my economic team for us to discuss together the priorities that should be included in the government’s economic strategy, and I will do whatever you deem necessary for your businesses,” Hariri said on Thursday during the launching of the third Global Business Summit in Beirut.

The summit focused on the latest challenges, opportunities and strategies to boost Lebanon’s economy.

The prime minister called on investors to highlight their needs for him to be able to take the necessary measures to facilitate their work.

“I will then create a committee of investors with whom I can follow up on your needs on a weekly basis in a bid to strengthen the economic and investment sectors,” he told the audience.

Hariri added that Lebanon was facing various challenges, including poor infrastructure and the big influx of refugees.

“It is true that the refugee issue constitutes a big burden but at the same time, we can benefit from the support of the international community in infrastructure, water and hospital projects if we succeed in describing our situation in an accurate way,” he said.

Hariri announced that the government was working on reform plans, which are aimed at boosting growth and empowering entrepreneurs.

He also stressed the importance of the Lebanese business diaspora, which he said supports those reforms and the Lebanese economy.

“We are at a stage now where the public and private sectors must come together and unify their efforts to contribute toward economic prosperity in Lebanon. We are very keen to support the local entrepreneurial community as their impact on the economy has been evident in recent years, stimulating job creation and putting Lebanon on the global map, via exceptional projects,” he said.