The chair of the Lebanese International Business Council (LIBC), Nassib Fawaz, announced the launch of Planet Lebanon 2017 on August 3 and 4 at Phoenicia Hotel, Beirut, under the patronage of PM Saad Hariri. LICB is anticipating an exceptional event given the outstanding preparations in terms of size of participating Lebanese emigrants from across the world, Fawaz stated. He outlined the objectives of the conference, which include, strengthening ties and building bridges between Lebanese businessmen/businesswomen abroad; highlighting the reality of investment in Lebanon within the larger global investment situation, and finally, bolstering Lebanon’s economic, tourism and commercial status. Fawaz said he hoped the present government will work to improve the business and investment environment in line with an innovative strategy committed to streamlining and increasing the efficiency of investment procedures, in addition to, easing bureaucratic hindrances and relieving the business climate. The conference, LIBC head maintained, aims to make stronger connections with the Lebanese Diaspora who profoundly seek to contribute to the development of their homeland. “We are all aware of the value of remittances to Lebanon and the significant role of money transfers from abroad in sustaining social stability and securing decent living standards for large segments of the Lebanese people,” Fawaz said. (Al Mustaqbal, July 27, 2017)