Lebanon's economy continues to find new ways to grow despite regional challenges, yet deadlock at the top level of politics remains a barrier to reform.

HE Tammam Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon, on relations with the Gulf and lessons learned from the year's elections.

HE François Hollande, President of France, on the historic ties between Lebanon and France.

Lebanon has a crucial role to play in the care of Syria's huge refugee community and is working together with the international community to ensure the finances are in place.

TBY talks to Jamal Itani, Mayor of Beirut, on what the municipal elections mean for the political future of the country and what role the private sector will be playing in that vision.

TBY talks to HE Ali Hasan Khalil, Minister of Finance, on reducing the budget deficit, dealing with declining tax revenues, and the resilience of Lebanon's economy.

TBY talks to Nabil A. Itani, Chairman & General Manager of IDAL, on establishing industrial cities, turning challenges into opportunities, and supporting the transition to becoming a knowledge economy.

The many chambers of commerce throughout Lebanon are taking proactive steps to better position companies to succeed amidst shifting global demands.

The Tripoli Special Economic Zone (TSEZ) is one of most ambitious projects in Lebanon at the moment. With an initial cost of USD27 million, it is meant to provide an alternative to the heavily centralized economic activity in Beirut, a new gateway for investments and trade to settle in northern Lebanon, and will transform the image of a long-neglected region.

TBY talks to Mario Saradar, Chairman & CEO of Saradar Group, on the unique challenges of operating in Lebanon's real estate sector, remaining competitive, and sectors of interest.

TBY talks to Eddy Cherfan, CEO of AC Holding, on diversification, government support of energy projects, and ambitions for abroad.

With a highly skilled labor market and a developed, brand-oriented economy, Lebanon offers businesses endless opportunities.

Foreign deposits are key to Lebanon's banking system, which has remained sound despite dealing with political turmoil.

TBY talks to Dr. Riad T. Salameh, Governor of Banque du Liban, on the peg to the US dollar, efforts to boost entrepreneurship, and stimulating the real estate sector.

TBY talks to Dr. Freddie Baz, Vice Chairman & Group Strategy Director of Bank Audi, on the bank's increase in profits, dealing with currency devaluation, and working to turn the economy into an export-driven one.

While performance in 2015 might have fallen short of expectations, the Lebanese finance sector is equipped and prepared to ensure a stronger 2016.

Islamic finance faces particular difficulties in Lebanon, with the sector left out of many incentives offered to other banks. However, the future of Islamic finance in the country looks promising.

The Lebanese pound's peg to the US dollar, along with the wide circulation of dollars in the economy, has helped to keep the economy stable.

TBY talks to Dr. Ghaleb Mahmassani, Vice President of Beirut Stock Exchange (BSE), on promoting diversification, the privatization of the BSE, and recent transformations of the capital market authority.

Unlike many emerging markets, Lebanon enjoys a relatively high insurance penetration rate and strong life segment, buoyed by compulsory lines and bancassurance. Competition remains fierce, however, and reform aimed at encouraging consolidation looks far off.

TBY talks to George Matossian, General Manager & Vice President of Al Mashrek, on major challenges, the changing needs of insurance companies, and the outlook for the future.

Lebanon is the region's most innovative country for insurance. With an already high level of saturation, companies are finding unique ways to reach clients.

The government is facing an uphill struggle to set into motion the energy program sought both by business and a growing population. Regional noise, meanwhile, is also impacting efforts to exploit potential resources.

TBY talks to HE Mohamad Machnouk, Minister of Environment, on the impact of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon's environment policy, the awareness of renewable energy in the country, and Lebanon's goals for sustainable development.

Despite excitement over exploration of Lebanon's hydrocarbons, the creation of a sovereign wealth fund, which was included in legislation, has yet to take place. The country faces several obstacles in its path to creating and properly managing a fund.

TBY talks to Pierre El Khoury, General Director of the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC), on the development of energy efficiency in Lebanon, awareness of energy conservation, and the country's 2020 renewable energy goals.

Torbey Law Firm provides insights into banking secrecy and tax enforcement in Lebanon.