UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Emphasizes the Economic Importance of His Visit to Lebanon
Beirut, Aug 26 (KUNA) -- UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Zayed Al Zayani emphasized today the importance of his current visit to Lebanon, particularly regarding its economic implications and Lebanese-UAE partnerships. Al Zayani made these remarks during his speech at the opening of the Lebanese-UAE Business Forum in Beirut, which aims to explore investment opportunities and develop economic cooperation between the two countries. The forum is attended by a high-level UAE delegation led by the minister, comprising prominent businessmen, under the patronage and hosting of economic entities and the Lebanese Chambers Union.
He stated that his country views the participants in the forum as partners in cooperation, adding that the broad participation of representatives from the UAE private sector reflects growing confidence in the opportunities available in the Lebanese market. Al Zayani noted that the forum provides a practical platform to explore new cooperation opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and develop projects capable of generating real added value to the economies of both countries. He stressed that the private sector "remains the main driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation, and investment attraction."
For his part, Lebanese Chambers Union President Mohammad Shqair said in his speech at the forum that "the visit of this high-level delegation constitutes a message of hope and a commitment to developing cooperation" between the two countries. He pointed out that the meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed laid the foundation for a new phase that included the establishment of business councils and the lifting of travel bans. Shqair affirmed that Lebanon is entering a phase of reconstruction and development of infrastructure and economic facilities through public-private partnerships.
The forum’s proceedings included meetings held by members representing the Lebanese Chambers Union and the UAE Chambers Union to discuss requirements for facilitating business and increasing bilateral trade, alongside bilateral working meetings between 50 UAE businessmen and 120 Lebanese businessmen across various sectors. The forum also witnessed the signing of five memoranda of understanding (MoUs), one of which established a joint Lebanese-UAE Business Council between the two chambers unions. Two other MoUs were signed between the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and the Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah Chambers of Commerce. (End) F.Z. / S.A.M.
