Ministries of Industry and Economy agree on supporting national production and exports

The Minister of Industry, Dr. Hussein Hajj Hassan and the Minister of Economy and Trade, Alain Hakim, met to follow-up on issues related to the development of the industrial sector particularly those issues common between the two Ministries and their affiliated institutions.  After the meeting, Minister Hakim noted that both Ministers agreed on a number of points that were discussed.  Hakim hoped for tangible results to develop the industry sector within the framework of the national economy.  Hajj Hassan noted for his part that the main aim of the meeting which was held as part of a series of coordination meetings he is undertaking with several Ministers, is to find ways to strengthen national industry, increase its competitiveness and thus its exports as well as investment opportunities.  Hajj Hassan emphasized the importance of raising the level of Lebanese exports whilst pointing out to the present imbalance between exports, estimated at USD 5 billion, and imports estimated between USD 18 to 19 billion annually.  Finally, Hajj Hassan added that the issues that were discussed during the meeting and which are likely to improve this sector are: a) uplifting the capacity of the industry so as to increase export; b) rebalancing trade agreements in favor of Lebanon; c) imposing taxes on imports and on the export of some raw material; d) enhancing the participation in foreign exhibitions; e) revising national laws so as to protect national products; and f) insisting on adhering to world production standards.
Source: Al-Safir, Al-Diyar 21 May 2014