Interview

Saad Hariri , Prime Minister of Lebanon,

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

Focus: New cabinet

A New Dawn

A new cabinet is now set to bring debt under control, fix the electricity infrastructure, restore political stability, and much more.

Interview

Giuseppe Conte , Prime Minister of Italy,

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.

Interview

Come Together

The Levant is once more in the process of reinventing itself, with positive prospects emerging in Syria and Iraq.

Spotlight Feature

Growth in Sight

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.

Interview

Mansour Bteish, Minister , Economy and Trade

The Minister of Economy and Trade strives to develop a socially inclusive, productive, competitive, and eco-friendly economy.

Interview

Jamal Itani , Mayor of Beirut,

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

Interview

Gretchen Biery \, Head of Lebanon Office, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

EBRD is actively exploring possible investments in Lebanon to directly support local companies, energy projects, and key sovereign projects.

Interview

Ramy Torbey , Managing Partner, Eptalex-Aziz Torbey Law Firm

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.

Communiqué: New Lebanese code of commerce

A Clearer Way Forward

Eptalex - Aziz Torbey Law Firm outlines the main changes to the code of commerce in Lebanon, which seeks to encourage a more conducive business environment.

Interview

Yasser Akkaoui , Chairman & General Manager, K Concept Holding

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

Focus: Lebanon’s economic vision

I Have a Plan

The release of an economic vision for Lebanon in 2018 shed light on the failings of the present economy, though the report itself has been criticized as well.

B2B

External Ties

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.

Interview

Nabil A. Itani , Chairman & General Manager, Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL)

IDAL focuses on encouraging investments in targeted productive sectors and promoting key Lebanese exports.

B2B

Tripoli

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.

Interview

Fady Jreissati, Minister of Environment,

Given the environmental challenges facing Lebanon, including pollution and a waste crisis, the Ministry of Environment has put together a master plan to tackle key issues.

Interview

Pierre El Khoury , General Director, Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC)

Focusing on the development and implementation of projects in renewable energy and energy efficiency, LCEC has several projects and proposals lined up.

B2B

Wind farms

Given Lebanon's excellent potential in solar and wind, there has been a rapid jump from conventional to renewable energy.

Focus: FOCUS Electricity sector reform plan

Not Easy Being Green

The government has passed a number of energy sector reforms to put an end to the chronic power cuts that are hindering economic activity in the country.

Forum

Renewable Energy Technologies

Increasing the mix of renewable energy is Lebanon's only chance to achieve its 2030 energy mix targets, which includes 30% from renewables.

Interview

George Rbeiz , General Manager, Diageo

Lebanon is renowned globally for its nightlife and entertainment, thanks in part to Diageo, a multinational alcoholic beverage company promoting responsible drinking and having a great time.

Interview

Tommaso Belli , Export Sales Director, AVE

AVE's ability to offer the best combination of quality and price has made it the leading manufacturer of electrical equipment across the MENA region.

Interview

Marc Waked , General Manager, Libanlait

As the first producer of long-life milk in Lebanon, Libanlait is safeguarding interests of local farmers and the environment.

Focus: Family businesses

Mom & POP

Most businesses in Lebanon's private sector are family owned, presenting challenges to overcome and unique opportunities to seize.

Interview

Adel Afiouni , Minister of State for Investment and Technology Affairs,

The ministry is focused on setting the stage for the knowledge economy to become a key contributor to GDP and a formidable pillar of the economy.

Interview

Joseph Ged, Partner, Wonet

Wonet's breakthrough service allows customers to evade roaming fees and make calls through their primary number from anywhere in the world.

Interview

Antoine Hraoui , CEO, Everteam

All of Everteam's solutions and technologies have been developed and injected with new elements stemming from AI or the IoT.

Voices from the Sector

Voices from the Telecoms and IT sector

Interview

Antonio Vincenti , Chairman & CEO, Pikasso

Outdoor advertising is growing in sophistication as digitalization offers up new opportunities. Pikasso hopes to tap into these dynamics to create a win-win for advertisers and consumers.

B2B

Cloud

Companies offering innovative and specialized cloud services are key to fulfilling the Ministry of IT's plan for regulating the latest technologies and optimizing costs across all sectors.

Focus: The tech start-up scene

Tech Hub

Following the success of Circular 331 funding, Lebanon's start-up scene is growing fast, but not without some speed bumps.

Forum

INNOVATION

A well-educated population that is open to the latest technologies and a constant flow of talented human resources continue to attract leading tech companies to Lebanon.

Interview

Mohamad Diab , CEO, Tecomsa

A leading distributor of high-end IT services and solutions, Tecomsa mixes applied business experience with solid technology delivery capabilities to better understand the client's needs and propose IT strategies in line with the latest technologies.

Interview

John Chedid, Country Manager, DHL

Hiring and developing excellent people, coupled with high-quality service, has helped DHL maintain growth and rise above challenges.

Interview

Ziad Harb, President & CEO, BCC Logistics

TBY talks to Ziad Harb, President & CEO of BCC Logistics

Interview

Magdi Ghossainy , Deputy General Manager, Radec Logistics

Radec Logistics sees potential for Lebanon to become a regional logistics hub and is investing in warehouse management systems to better serve its customers.

Interview

Mourad Aoun , CEO, NET Holding

The Net Holding has become one of the leading providers of freight service in Lebanon, taking advantage of the country's geography and international clout.

Focus: Port of Tripoli

Open the Gateway

The Lebanese port of Tripoli is on the verge of its big break.

Interview

Antoine E. Amatouri , Board President, Gulftainer Lebanon

Gulftainer has earned the right to call itself a leader in the Lebanese shipping industry, a status it hopes to strengthen with a new hub in Tripoli.

Interview

Rani Karimeh , Deputy General Manager, Solidere

Solidere started with a mission to rebuild central Beirut after the civil war. Since then, the company has become a force in the Lebanese construction sector.

Interview

Anthony Stephan , Chairman & CEO, Cornerstone Development

Cornerstone Development offers sustainable real estate tailor-made for the local market and its diaspora.

B2B

Sustainability

Demco Properties and GZA Group are real estate companies dedicated to sustainability. They have taken an active role in the building and rebuilding of Lebanon.

Focus

More to Offer

Following the resumption of housing loans from the central bank, demand is once again growing in the real estate market, though an oversupply of housing continues to weigh on the sector.

Voices from the Sector

Voices from the Construction and Real Estate Sector

Interview

Nizar Choucair, Chairman, Patchi

The Patchi chocolate brand is famous across the region and owes its success to the unique blend of international savvy and know-how.

Interview

Christopher Antaki , Managing Partner, Antaki Group

TBY talks to Christopher Antaki, Managing Partner of Antaki Group on the Lebanese retail sector.

Interview

Ronald Hochar , Chairman of the Board, Château Musar

TBY talks to Ronald Hochar, Chairman of the Board of Château Musar on the Lebanese retail sector.

Focus: Lebanese fashion

What to Wear?

The cosmopolitan milieu of Beirut has fostered growth in the fashion industry, but more is needed to have a healthy local fashion ecosystem.

B2B

Luxury Cars

Lebanon has a lively market for cars, given its lack of widespread public transportation. Saad & Trad and G. Bazerji & Fils are two automobile dealers meeting this dynamic demand.

Interview

Joseph AbouChacra , General Manager, GlobeMed Lebanon

With the insurance market becoming increasingly saturated, GlobeMed is moving toward wellness and prevention to reduce costs and improve the customer experience

Interview

Joseph G. Jabbra , President, Lebanese American University (LAU)

Lebanese American University is taking a multidisciplinary approach to its digital transformation in the information age.

Interview

Steve Harvey , Dean, Suliman S. Olayan School of Business, American University of Beirut

With a truly global focus, the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business provides a global business education with sensitivity to local issues.

Focus: Technology in schools

Modern Thinking

As the start-up sector grows in Lebanon, state leaders are looking to integrate more technology and IT courses in school curricula.

Interview

Saad Saad , CEO, Professional Learning Center (PLC)

TBY talks to Saad Saad, CEO of Professional Learning Center (PLC) on Education.

Interview

Georges Ojeil , General Manager, Le Gray Hotel

By putting a new spin on luxury travel, Le Gray hotel has established itself as one of the best places to spend time in Beirut.

Interview

Manrique Rodriguez , General Manager, Phoenicia Hotel

Lebanon's hospitality sector is undergoing a mini renaissance, driven by a growing MICE sector and increased interest in the country's traditional tourism offerings.

Interview

Omar Saade , General Manager, Sofitel

Sofitel brings a French sensibility to its Beirut location, with culinary offerings, interior design, and more.

Interview

Hala C. Massaad , General Manager, Raouché Arjaan by Rotana

TBY talks to Hala C. Massaad, General Manager of Raouché Arjaan by Rotana on tourism sector.

B2B

Music

MusicHall and Virgin Radio Lebanon perform a crucial service for any economy: letting people relax and have fun with music.

Interview

Hadi el Khoury , General Manager, Chili’s BEIRUT

Chili's started in Dallas but has made its presence global, attracting generations of customers in Lebanon.

Interview

Mahmoud Sobh , General Manager, Zaatar w Zeit

Zaatar w Zeit is bringing traditional Lebanese cuisine to diners all over the world, from Canada to the Gulf.