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Lebanon’s high hopes on China’s Silk Road

26-9-2017

High hopes are being thrown on reviving the Silk Road to China for stimulating the national economy, developing infrastructure and strengthening the status of women. Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon, Wang Kijian, said, in a lecture at the Lebanese American University, that given its strategic geographic location and its exceptional banking sector, as well as, its cultural and human resources, adding that Lebanon is an important player in the Silk Road as a link between Asia and Europe. Also to be noted that the Lebanese minister of economy, Raed Khury, recently signed in China a memorandum of understanding between the two countries on joint cooperation in the framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road . (http://bit.ly/2wRxlX9). During the event, Khury also expressed Chinese desire to invest in the Lebanese infrastructure, especially with regard to transportation. Similarly, the president of the National Commission for Lebanese Women (NCLW), Claudine Aoun Rukuz, noted in a recent address to the Chinese-Arab Women’s Forum in Beijing that the Silk Road initiative will strengthens bilateral relations between Lebanon and China, and represents a big opportunity to promote the role of women in all the participant countries, calling for the development of Lebanese women’s capacities and resources to guaranteed a successful participation in the that pioneering scheme. This, she maintained, concurs with the growing interest by Chinese companies in the country as a hub for the imminent reconstruction of neighboring Syria. Finally, Rukuz also spoke about the need to develop women’s capabilities and skills so as to be able to compete on equal footing with men. (Al Mustaqbal, Al Diyar, September 18, 20, 26, 2017)

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From Beijing: Obstacles impeding the advancement of Lebanese women
A modest step for Lebanon along China’s new silk road
NCLW on the Silk Road to China
 

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Banking on ICT sector to generate jobs for the youth

26-9-2017

The information technology and communication sector presents itself as a promising industry in Lebanon particularly in generating jobs and stimulating the economy. In this respect, the CEO of the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon IDAL, Nabil Itani, discussed during his visit to Stockholm the reality and prospects of ITC investments while touring a number of business incubators. The purpose of the visit which came upon invitation from IDAL’s Swedish counterpart, was to learn how to shift to knowledge-based economy and create a friendly environment for startups by helping them grow and prosper, in addition to establishing partnerships for exchange of information and expertise. In a related vein, the minister of industry, Hussein Haj Hassan, pressed the need to develop Lebanese economy through the creation of innovative opportunities in the development of software, electronics, and IT engineering and sciences. Haj Hassan who was speaking during his opening of the 12th annual conference of National Instruments, said: “We must be convinced that these contemporary industries contribute to resolving economic challenges and to building an economic component deeply integrated in the national economy.” Likewise, Lebanon’s Premier lauded the Beirut Digital District project in Bshara al Khoury neighborhood as a platform for digital investment and pioneering industries, in addition to its provision of jobs for the young generation. In the same context, Ogero launched its first Smart City concept at Beirut Misk with the fiber-to-the-home network, noting that this step comes in the framework of efforts by the telecom sector to keep with global groundbreaking ITC developments. (Al Mustaqbal, Al Diyar, An Nahar, September 16, 17, 18, 2017)

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Beirut Design Fair spotlights young talents

25-9-2017

Under the patronage of economy minister, Raed Khoury, the first edition of the Beirut Design Fair opened on Wednesday at BIEL with the participation of 44 exhibitors representing the work of 100 designers from Lebanon and the world. The purpose of the fair is to showcase the best galleries and renowned designers alongside rising talents and promising artists. The event drew attention to young stars from today’s emerging creative generation through a SPOT ON showcasing their products in a joint pavilion. Workshops, seminars and round tables were also held on the sideline of the BDF. The latter, to be note, is organized in conjunction with the Beirut Art Fair for contemporary art aimed at promoting culture in Lebanon and the MENA region. (Al Hayat, September 22, 2017)

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Oil tax bill approved and Berri calls for youth specialization in oil studies

20-9-2017

The Parliament in its legislative session of yesterday approved the 26-article oil tax law with a supplementary article requiring the Ministry of Energy to submit a report to the Council of Representatives every four months detailing all phases of the offshore oil and gas exploration and production process. The bill sets the royalty rate at 4% with 20% of the calculated taxable income on oil companies, that is the total revenue generated from petroleum activities after deducting all expenses. The income tax on companies will be set under the proposed sovereign wealth fund law responsible for collecting revenues from the exploration process, and the same applies to the dividend distribution tax. The energy and water minister, Cesar Abi Khalil, said after adoption of the bill, that the legislative system related to the functioning of oil and gas activity has been completed, and is commensurate with international standards regulating the petroleum industry. Abi Khalil advised oil firms wishing to participate in the first bidding round to observe the provisions of the law. On the other hand, Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri, lamented the migration of Lebanon’s youth in search for jobs because they cannot find jobs in their country with the prevailing cabal of corruption. He stressed the importance of educational orientation, urging students to specialize in oil studies. “Give me some 6,7 or 10 thousand petroleum engineers. The industry has room for all of them. We need this specialty,” he said. Berri was speaking to a group of outstanding students in Amal Movement’s educational institutions who visited him. Al Akhbar, An Nahar, Al Mustaqbal, September 16 and 20, 2017

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Three development projects by Regie in Baalbaq

19-9-2017

The director general of La Regie Libanaise des Tabacs & Tombacs, Nassif Siklawi, inaugurated yesterday three agricultural development projects in the towns of Kfardan, Hadat Baalbaq and Saideh west of Baalbaq, Beqaa. The three initiatives implemented in cooperation with the local municipalities and the state-run institution, are: Irrigation canals (1200m) in the plains of Kfardan; a vital agricultural road in Hadat Baalbaq that contributes to the town’s development and a tobacco irrigation pipeline to support the basic agriculture in the town. On the occasion, Siklawi announced the distribution shortly of 100 contributions to assist high school students in the Beqaa area, in addition to a number of undertakings under preparation in the villages of Nabha, Kaddam, Jaba’, Yammooneh, Harabta, Mekneh and Bayt Meshayk. Siklawi brought to light some of the projects funded by the Regie in collaboration with the municipalities of these towns: Dayr al Ahmar (water supply extensions and Christmas tree decorations); Boudai (water pond installation); Shlifa (water supply extensions); Hawsh Tal Safiya (drilling of a water well, extending irrigation canals, and a water pump); Hadat Baalbaq (construction and rehabilitation of an agricultural road); Btadi’ (irrigations canals); Shaath (irrigation canals); Ram (purchase of an ambulance); Falawi (purchase of a bock); Taraya (water supply extension); Bashwat (water pond); Kfardan (irrigation canals) and Baalbaq city (artesian water wells). Boasting its solid plan of action, Siklawi said the Regie “is practically the only public institution competing with the private sector. We got the ISO certification for the year 2016 and are expecting to receive it this year as well,” he said. (Al Diyar, September 19, 2017)

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Anjar festival close 2017 summer season

18-9-2017

In cooperation with the municipality of Anjar- Hawsh Mousa, the Anjar Association for Development launched the Anjar festivals last Friday (from September 15 to 17) under the patronage of minister of tourism, Avedis Guidanian. The head of the association, George Boushikian voiced gratitude for what he called the ‘bold decision’ to revive the Bekaa town’s festivities in 2017. The closing of the summer festivals, he said, will be from Anjar, the capital of tourism and the gem of the Bekaa. Besides the heritage musical performance, the launch of Souk el Akel event shall bring about a blend of the local agricultural goods boasting food safety and health standards, Boushikian stated. He also revealed an entertainment program, that will be crowned with the takeoff of the first of its kind hot air balloon operating tours throughout the Bekaa region. For his part, Anjar mayor, Vartks Khoushian, said: “This festive celebration is meant to be a tribute to our ancestors and to express the aspirations of the people of Anjar and support their steadfastness through setting up development projects and showcasing their resourceful products.” (Al Diyar, September 17, 2017)

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More promises and suggestions to deal with the apple glut

14-9-2017

The minister of agriculture, Ghazi Zeaiter met yesterday with a committee consisting of the Directorate of Agricultural Resources and the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange instrument of the European Commission (TAIEX) to find ways to handle the disposal of apple production. Earlier, TAIEX, at the request of the ministry of agriculture, had set a program for meetings with concerned parties in this sector. Zeaiter discussed with the above committee a number of recommendations to this end, notably: investment in infrastructure of rural and local development projects (centers for packaging, and apple processing factories); review of the standard specifications for the apple sector; reconsidering the KAFALAT system; reactivation of microcredit program; setting-up apple processing plants for second rate or uncategorized apple products (apple juice, apple chips…) as a solution to compensate economic losses… (for full list of recommendations, ( http://bit.ly/2x2Q2FK). On the current marketing and disposal of production impasse, the head of the Syndicate of Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables in Lebanon, Naim Khalil, after meeting minister Zeaiter, revealed efforts to restore exporting of apples to the UAE, demanding stepping up payment of the remaining compensation installment. In the same vein, the Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bishara Rai’ received last week a delegation from the Committee of Apple Growers in Bcharri, accompanied by the town’s Lebanese Forces Coordinator, mukhtar Fadi Chidyak. Rai’ voiced his support to farmers disclosing contacts on his part with local and international parties to resolve the problem. (Al Mustaqbal, Al Diyar, September 13, 14, 2017)

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AUB first in the region in graduate’s employability

14-9-2017

Three Lebanese universities were ranked among the best in the region according to the 2018 British QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) for the top universities in the world. They are, the American University of Beirut (AUB), Saint Joseph University (USJ) and the Lebanese American University (LAU). The AUB was classified as the best university in graduates’ employability in the region and among the top globally. The QS ranking rated AUB 41 this year in employability up from 40 points last year and was placed No. 1 in the MENA region for the second consecutive year. To note, the QS Ranking is an annual classification for higher education institutions worldwide honoring those that are actively committed to preparing students for employment. The rankings are based on performance indicators across four areas, including research, teaching, employability and internationalization. )Al Mustaqbal, An Nahar, September 14, 2017(

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Made-in-Lebanon agriculture goods to Iran

13-9-2017

The minister of agriculture, Ghazi Z3aiter received yesterday the Iranian Ambassador to Beirut, Mohamad Fath Ali, accompanied by the commercial attache, and discussed ways of strengthening cooperation and exchange of expertise in many areas. The two sides reached an agreement which provides for the export of a number of made-in-Lebanon agricultural products to the Islamic Republic of Iran and the import of certain commodities from Iran. They also discussed matters related to agriculture and livestock resources. Z3aiter will reportedly visit Iran in the next two months to sign memorandums of understanding and follow up the implementation of previously signed MOUs in the interest of both countries.  (Al Diyar, September 13, 2017)

 

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14% growth in tourism entries to Lebanon

13-9-2017

Lebanese President Michel Aoun lauded yesterday efforts to promote the tourism sector in the country via projects under preparation, including reducing the costs of incoming Middle East Airline tickets. Aoun, who was speaking during meeting with tourism minister, Avedis Guidanian, and the ministry’s director general, Nada Sardouk, disclosed that he promised a favorable touristic season and kept his promise. Aoun stressed the need to secure the safety and comfort of travelers through upgrading the services industry, pointing to a number of undertakings in this direction, most notably the expansion of Beirut’s international airport. The President also underlined the importance of winter tourism, particularly from Scandinavian countries. “Lebanon needs a lot, and the Lebanese people are very demanding,” Aoun stated, adding, “The country was left with an inopportune inheritance, mostly seen in poor roads that need rehabilitation, and we have started implementing some schemes to this effect.” For his part, Guidanian revealed high figures recorded this year by the tourism industry. The number of arrivals to Lebanon excluding Lebanese expats, Palestinians and Syrians, has reached 1,688,000 persons last year, compared to 1,300,000 until now and there are 4 more months ahead of us to the end of the year, with a limited 14% of growth, the minister said. He anticipated the number of arrivals to touch 2 million should it retain the same upward trend. )Al Mustaqbal, An Nahar, Al Diyar, September 13, 2017(

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