Under the patronage of H.E. General Michel Sleiman, President of the Lebanese Republic, the Friends of Lebanon Conference for Investment and Finance: from Paris 3 to Beirut 1 was held on November 20-21, 2008 at the Intercontinental Phoenicia Hotel, Beirut. The conference discussed the global financial crisis and its implications for the Arab countries, as well as the measures necessary to face up to current and future challenges. It also considered prospects for the Lebanese economy, and the necessary Arab and international support to boost its renewed take-off.
The conference attracted a wide and high powered level of participation, including prime ministers, ministers, the top officials of Arab and international financial organizations and institutions, and about 600 leaders of public organizations and private enterprises from different countries in the region, particularly countries and organizations that participated at both the Paris II and III conferences, and other conferences and meetings held to support Lebanon over the past two decades.
Major topics at the conference include:
- The recent international financial crisis and its implications for the Arab economies.
- Prospects for regional real estate and financial sectors in the wake of the world financial crisis.
- Arab stock markets: Is the crash a buying opportunity?
- Latest economic developments and public and private sector perspectives on the future and on required development policies.
- Regaining Arab and international support and future funding requirements.
- Investment opportunities in different sectors in Lebanon (real estate, tourism, banking, industry, commerce, etc…)
- The expected role of Lebanese emigrants and expatriates especially in direct investment, the transfer of expertise and technology, and social work.
The Conference was organized by Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal in cooperation with the Central Bank of Lebanon, the relevant ministries, the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL), and leading economic authorities in Lebanon.
