Lebanese PM: Sustainable economic recovery requires support for productive sectors
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed that economic recovery requires supporting productive sectors and national industry during the opening of the 2026 Industry Exhibition.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
Lebanese Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam affirmed yesterday that sustainable economic development in his country requires restoring the importance of key productive sectors, foremost among them national industry, to address imbalances in the trade balance and reduce reliance on imports. This came during a speech delivered by Salam at the opening of the second edition of the “National Industry 2026” exhibition, organized by the Lebanese Industrialists Association in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry, in the presence of several ministers, officials, and industrialists.
Salam stated that “the continued survival of industrial enterprises and their ability to maintain employment under the most difficult circumstances is a testament to the bet on national capabilities,” stressing that supporting industry “is not merely a sectoral demand but a national interest” linked to growth, job opportunities, financial stability, and economic sovereignty.
He added that achieving sustainable stability requires the state to exert its authority over its entire territory exclusively through its own forces, as agreed upon in the Taif Agreement, affirming the government’s commitment to this option to restore the state’s role and presence.
He pointed to government steps aimed at ensuring fair competition by strengthening customs controls and monitoring border crossings to combat smuggling, dumping, and unfair competition, in addition to activating preferences for national products in public procurement and adopting well-considered investment incentives.
He highlighted efforts to develop sustainable solutions to the energy crisis to ensure electricity supply at competitive prices, as well as expanding bilateral trade agreements and opening new markets for Lebanese industrial exports, which amount to approximately three billion dollars.
He emphasized the opportunity to position Lebanon as a regional hub for technological industries and attract foreign investments, thereby providing quality job opportunities for youth and helping to curb emigration.
He expressed his country’s aim to encourage investment in the green economy, renewable energy, and clean technology to help enterprises adapt to international environmental standards and open broad horizons for national products in global markets.
Salam revealed three government commitments: launching a national program to stimulate local production, establishing a joint governmental mechanism to enhance industrial exports, and developing a program to attract investments in technological industries.
