Lebanon's key focus is on working to improve the country in order to offer better opportunities for all.

With Italian enterprises making large investments in a range of sectors in the economy, Lebanon and Italy are expected to continue pursuing mutually advantageous relations.

As reform efforts ramp up, the country can rely on these stewards to keep the ship steady. The nation's financial institutions are some of the most consistent and stable actors in a fast-moving and often unstable political and economic landscape. As a result, foreign donors and creditors, on whose contributions Lebanon's near future depends, have a special interest in the health of the nation's banks and regulators. The Business Year has compiled the thoughts of a number of the key players whose actions are especially important in 2019 as the nation makes a sincere attempt at reform.

Beirut Municipality has many plans in the works to improve the city's infrastructure and prepare it for the future.

One of the biggest law firms in Lebanon, Eptalex-Aziz Torbey Law Firm assists local and international clients in dealing with all aspects of business law.

K Concept is convinced Lebanon will naturally become attractive to investors once it tackles corruption and seriously commits to global principles and standards.

In 2018 the government committed to introducing economic and governance reforms demanded by Lebanese businesspeople, as well as international donors, which will pave the way for greater FDI.

Given its main strength, namely serving as a historic transportation hub to connect to other markets, Tripoli is poised to play a major role in the region.

The banking sector can only improve with the effective execution of pledged reforms and the adoption of initiatives to mend the country's public finances.

Though tax evasion must be reined in, the best strategy for promoting growth is through investments, rather than penalizing initiative through excessive taxation.

Privatization, transparency, the rule of law, and strong infrastructure are crucial to ensuring Lebanon's capital markets and broader economy have wind in their sails.

Despite dismal movement in the overall market, BSL's deposits visibly grew thanks to the firm's expansion into the retail and commercial banking arenas.

BBAC performed resiliently in a year that was marked by a number of sector-wide challenges.

TBY talks to Michel Sawaya, CEO of Citibank Lebanon.

TBY talks to Ghaleb Mahmassani, Vice President of Beirut Stock Exchange (BSE) on Finance sector.

Fierce competition is putting pressure on smaller players to upgrade their operations or find alternative business models.

For those looking to grow in a slightly saturated market, international diversification is key to expansion and providing regional solutions to economies of scale.

Prevention is often the most profitable way of staying healthy.