Minister of Economy and Trade submits an ambitious economic plan to the Cabinet

The Minister of Economy and Trade, Dr. Alan Hakim, submitted last week the economic vision and plan of his ministry to the cabinet for discussion. He requested the formation of a joint economic ministerial committee to the same effect. Expounding on the said plan, the minister said it is largely based on realistic and practical objectives while aiming at the following: “readdressing the financial situation, improving the business environment so as to encourage investment, trade and capital inflows, mobilizing private sector initiatives and potentials, tackling the effects of Syrian refugee crisis on domestic economy, controlling the wage bill, managing public debt, and developing partnership between the public and private sectors.” Hakim went on to explain, that this new vision covers all economic sectors, including small and medium enterprises, the industry and agriculture sectors. It is aimed at stimulating the economy, entrepreneurship, infrastructure projects, he added, as well as creating jobs and attracts private Arab and international investments, with a strong focus on the “Lebanization of the economy”. (Al Diyar, April 15, 2015)