Launch of the national strategy to revive the economic activities in Lebanon during the Beirut International Franchise Forum and Exhibition – BIFEX 2014

The Minister of Economy and Trade, Alain Hakim, represented Prime Minister Tammam Salam, in inaugurating Beirut International Franchise Forum and Exhibition – BIFEX 2014 organized by the Lebanese Franchise Association LFA.  The event which is held under the auspices of the president of the Republic, Michel Suleiman, included an inaugural session followed by 4 working sessions and was attended by the President of the Lebanese Economic Organizations, Adnan Al Kassar, the European Union Ambassador to Lebanon, Angelina Eichhorst, IDAL Chairman and General Manager, Nabil Itani, and the Chairman of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Lebanon, Mohamed Chucair. The first working session, was marked by the launching of the national strategy to revive economic activity in main streets, while subsequent sessions will focus on economic diplomacy and external marketing of Lebanese products.

The Minister of Industry, Dr. Hussein Hajj Hassan, highlighted in his keynote address the importance of the franchise sector which stimulates growth and investments and creates employment opportunities and pointed out to the deficit in the balance of trade and the importance of working towards increasing exports.  He also noted that the government should develop an economic policy which is clear on how it intends to address the current crisis. The Minister of Tourism, Michel Pharaon, who represented the President of the Republic, spoke about a plan that his Ministry will prepare for the summer and which will be announced within the coming few days.  Pharaon is expecting an improvement in his sector with the return of expatriates and tourists.

For his part, Hakim spoke about “Economic Resistance’ and noted that the salvation of the economy depends on everybody’s income and all should therefore bear the responsibility of the current crisis.  He called for taking measures which will stimulate investment, consumption, tourism and shopping in Lebanon.  Minister Mashnook noted that the GCC countries are reconsidering their travel warning of last year and he added that the government is putting in place a security plan for Beirut after Tripoli and the Beqaa and he hopes for good results.
Source: Al-Safir, Al-Diyar, Al-Hayat, 30 April 2014