Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Lebanon
Lebanon
G R E E K B U S I N E S S D E L E G AT I O N T O L E B A N O N
ON 16-20 MAY 2006
180-182, Kifissias Avenue - 154 51 N. Psychico – Athens - Greece 29, Tsimiski Str. – 546 24 Thessaloniki – Greece
Tel.: +30-210-6711210/+30-210-6726882/Fax.:+30-210-6746577 e-mail: root@ebeth.gr/www.ebeth.gr
e-mail: chamrabgreekchamber.gr / www.arabgreekchamber.gr Tel: +30-2310-370 110/370 132-Fax: +30-2310-370 136
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Welcome Address
by the Secretary General of the AHCCD
Mr. Mohamed Elkhazmi
At first I would like to welcome you in the Lebanon and express my gratitude
to the Federation of Lebanese Chambers of Commerce & Industry and to the
Beirut + Tripoli Chamber of Commerce, for their cooperation and the fascinat-
ing organization for this important visit. I would also like to refer to the excel-
lent economic and commercial relations between Greece and the Lebanon
which cover various sectors and are crowned by flourishing growth and enor-
mous success.
The Development of any economic relations is in the first place related to the wealth sources
and secondly to the economic and financial sober-minded administration as well as stability. I
am pleased and honored to extend my warm greetings to all those who have entrusted us to
realize this Trade Mission to the Lebanon as it complies with the aforementioned specifica-
tions. The goal of this visit is to promote and strengthen the bilateral economic and business
relations.
The Arab-Hellenic Chamber and I personally are thankful for the positive prospects and the
new business opportunities created due to the event and activity of the Greek Trade Mission
to the Lebanon. The vital contribution of the participants and their constant support helped us
become a commercial partner and economic leader as they have shared in helping us initiate
new commercial partnerships in a unique beneficial way, in order to make the Arab world see
the credibility, knowledge and experience that partners in Lebanon may rely on.
I am confident that keeping this commercial activity will eventually prove to be the most
rewarding to all of us, thanks to the support, constant positive response, and willingness of the
esteemed participants to assist the Chamber go ahead.
Please accept once again my enormous thanks and utmost felt heart appreciation.
Welcome Address
by the Financial Controller of the TCCI
Mr. Theodore Stavridis
Ladies & Gentlemen,
It’s a real pleasure and honor for both Chambers (Arab-Hellenic Chamber of
Commerce & Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce) to welcome you on this
business mission to Lebanon. An honor because your participation in this
business trip is a proof of your confidence to the efforts of our Chambers to
enhance business relations between Greece and the Arab world in general,
and in this case, with Lebanon in particular.
I also would like to thank all those who have entrusted us and contributed to make this visit
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feasible. We have many years of profitable trade between Greece and Lebanon, reflecting our
common heritage of cooperation and commerce.
The thriving commercial relations between Greece and Lebanon have produced and sustained
jobs for both the Greeks and the business community in Lebanon opening new horizons for
new business opportunities flourishing with prosperity and stability.
I hope each participant member will enjoy this unique opportunity to experience first hand the
best venues to acquaint the business community in Lebanon with their goods and services,
and for the latter to become familiar with the fine Greek brands, since all the participant com-
panies represent abroad range of products and services demonstrating the ability of the Greek
industry.
The Arab-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce & Development, with the cooperation of the Thes-
saloniki Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is developing a flexible and innovative approach in
providing useful feedback at the disposal of its members and the participants of our Trade Mis-
sions and we cordially invite them to feel free and benefit from it.
May I seize this opportunity to wish all participants the best of success and heartfelt wishes
for a long term and fruitful cooperation with your Lebanon business counterparts.
PRESENTATION OF LEBANON
Geography
Surface: 10,452km2
Coast length: 210 km
Highest Altitude: 3,083m
Average Temperature: 20,7_ C
Average rainfall: 893 mm/year
Average humidity rate: 68%
Economic performance
The opening provided in Paris-II Conference (granting Lebanon some US$ 4,3 billion in for-
eign aid) for dealing with Lebanon’s macroeconomic imbalances, has issued a loud sign of the
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international community’s interest in the country and its capability to deal with its fiscal prob-
lems and to restore growth to its economy. The government has more over announced the full
doze of economic reforms in the 2005 budget, mainly on the public finance front, which aim at
reducing public spending and deficit, control the growth of public debt and stimulate addition-
al economic growth. In addition , the 2005-planned reforms aim at rationalizing public sector
employment and redefining the role of the State.
On the international level, Lebanon undertook significant measures to enhance its integration
in the world economy. Following its membership of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area
(GAFTA), Lebanon signed an Association Agreement with the EU in early 2002. At the same
time, Lebanon advanced towards membership of the World Trade Organization. New trade
agreements were signed with international economic partners. This paved the way for further
export growth. Exports have been growing at substantial rates in the past few years.
Lebanon has signed, in early 2002, an Association Agreement with the EU which is part of a
broader economic partnership and programme of cooperation. The Trade Agreement requires
cutting tariff rates down and tariff rates have been brought down in 2000 with more reductions
scheduled from year 6 to year 12 of the transition period, with zero-tariffs in most industrial
products and many processed agricultural products. In this sense, the Trade Agreement pro-
vides for free access of Lebanon’s industrial, most agri-industrial as well as a large number of
agricultural exports to the European market. It also promotes and encourages greater trade
exchanges between both partners, due to the creation of a free trade area.
The Lebanese-European Partnership Agreement also contains an investment component. The
European party, based on a sectoral cooperation plan, will help Lebanon with specific invest-
ments from its internal agencies. More specific and targeted aid is expected from MEDA II in
order to support growth and development in Lebanon.
The partnership agreement will certainly lead to better investment exchanges, mainly via the
furthering of exchange of business delegations and mutual investment projects in the two
regions.
Lebanon will also benefit from the European advanced technology which is expected to come
with European direct investment over the coming years. European direct investment will be a
major force driving stronger economic exchanges.
Last but not least, the Partnership Agreement will pave the way for Lebanon to benefit from
the European financial aid schemes. This will help the country carry on its economic reforms
more efficiently and effectively. On the financial front, the Agreement is expected to develop
the banking and financial relations between Lebanon and the EU.
Future prospects
In the meantime, the process of economic reconstruction and development continues, with a
major focus on the infrastructure rehabilitation and modernization, including the airport, ports,
electricity, water, roads, telecoms and others.
Over the past few years , the Government has been undertaking a set of measures to further
the role of the private sector. The government has adopted a comprehensive updating of the
trade legislative framework, including WTO-compatible customs law that came into effect in
December 2000. This in addition to many trade liberalization measures, including the intro-
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duction of the VAT and an open skies policy in late 2000, the liberalization of oil products in
early 2002 and the planned liberalization of pharmaceutical imports and elimination of exclu-
sive agencies.
The government is also to adopt a major programme of privatization of public infrastructure
over the coming years , mainly in the telecom sector and other key utility companies. Over the
past few years, the mobile phone industry was run on a BOT basis.
In the banking sector, the Central Bank has paved the way and is encouraging banks to
expand in regional markets. Several big banks have opened branches in markets like Syria,
Sudan, Jordan, Algeria and others.
The investment climate in Lebanon is supported by the free economy system coupled with no
discrimination between national and foreign investors, and freedom of work and transfer of
funds and foreign exchange. The Government has prepared new laws such as the antidump-
ing law and the law on competition. There is also the law on privatization (May 2000) which
sets the framework for regulating privatization operations that are actually being prepared and
that defines their terms and fields of implementation. The government has established the
Investment Development Agency of Lebanon, IDAL, which supports the enrichment of the
investment and business environment and facilitates investment opportunities and their imple-
mentation. The launching of a wide-based privatization programme in the coming period con-
stitutes by far the major initiative in attracting foreign direct investments, besides local invest-
ment.
Public Deficit (in million dollars) 3.895 2.806 2.848 2.616 1.900
Public Debt (in billion US dollars) 25,2 28,3 31,4 33,5 34,7
Public Debt GNP 147,3% 163,5% 178,4% 185,0% 185,5%
Exchange Rate 1.508 1.508 1.508 1.508 1.508
(Lebanese Pound per US Dollars)
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Investment Guarantees
A number of national and international organizations with local and international expertise pro-
tect your investments against non-commercial risks.
Human Capital
Lebanon’s principal asset is the competence of its human resources. Its well-educated, flexi-
ble, multi-lingual, and multi-skilled workforce is considered one of the most capable in the Mid-
dle East.
Expanding Infrastructure
With a state-of-the-art telecommunications system, a fully operational electricity network, new
airport, enlarged and refurbished port facilities, and an ambitious road rehabilitation program,
Lebanon has one of the best infrastructures in the region.
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Participant:
- Mr. MICHAEL ELIAS BITAR
B.D. Member + Rep. of Federation of
Lebanese Chambers of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce
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Participant:
- Mr. THEODORE STAVRIDIS
Financial Controller
Chamber of Commerce.
1. ALLATINI GROUP
O.T. 40, B` Fasi
570 22 Sindos- Thessaloniki -Greece
Tel: +30-2310-571033/ 571 025
Fax: + 30-2310-571 027
www.allatini.gr
e-mail: export@allatini.gr
Participant:
- Mr. MICHAEL TOSOS
General Manager
Trade wheat flours bakery, ready mix flours, Semolina’s, Healthy products, Frozen
Dough Products ,trade jams, milk products, jellies and fillings, creams, pralines, cover-
tures, chocolate compounds, margarines, sweeteners, sesame seeds,
Participant:
- Mr. VLADIMIROS ARAIZI
Plant Director
Attractant for Dacus Fly and Mediterranean Fly
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Participant:
- Mr. IOANNIS IOAKEIMIDIS
General Manager
LEAF TOBACCO
4. EXEL-MAK-METAL S.A
18th Klm.O.N.R Thessaloniki-Ag.Athanassios
P.O.Box 47
570 08 Thessaloniki - Greece
Tel: +30-2310-722536/752595
Fax: +30-2310-710051
www.exelmakmetal.gr
e-mail: info@exelmakmetal.gr
Participant:
- Mrs. KYRIAKI PEZIRKIANIDOU
Export Manager
Production of steel pipes for irrigation & constructions highway guardrails lighting posts,
galvanizing works.
5. FRAGINOS P. DIMITRIOS
“FRAGINO GROUP“
51, Spaton Avenue
153 44 Geraka –Attiki -Greece
Tel:+30-210-6640129
Fax:+30-210-6133298
www.travertino.gr/ info@travertino.gr
e-mail: sales@travertino.gr
Participant:
- Mr. DIMITRIOS FRAGINOS
General Manager
Showroom , Sanitary Wares, Granite Tiles, Coopering & Goldening (24KT)Listello, Deco-
rative Tiles& Accessories. Specialized in Projects of Showrooms for Tiles & Sanitary wares.
Projects for Office Environment.
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Participant:
- Mr. Alexandros Perakis
Export Manager
Designing & production of textile home Linen (bed sheets- bedcovers-quilts-duvet covers-
bedspreads – blankets – towels – bathrobes.
7. MERIT S.A
1km. Allatini – Thermi
542 50 Thessaloniki -Greece
Tel:+30-2310-327215
Fax:+30-2310-310145
www.missdenim.gr
e-mail: giage@meritjeans.gr
Participant:
- Mr. GEORGE A. GIAGOS
Export Manager
Participant:
- Mr. YEHIA EL TAWEEL
General Manager
Travel Agency & Tourism
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USEFUL ADDRESSES
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Useful Links:
DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS
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AIRLINES
Middle East Airlines
17, Filellinon str., 105 57 Athens - Greece
Tel: + 30 210 3226 911 / Fax: + 30 210 3226915
e-mail: athtome@mea.aero / athszme@mea.aero
Manager Greece: Mr. Hagop Parsekian
TRAVEL AGENCY
PILGRIMS TRAVEL AGENCY INTERNATIONAL LTD.
11, Epirou str., 104 33 Athens - Greece
Tel: + 30-210-8254 730 / 731 & 8231 544
Fax: + 30-210-8254 732
www.pilgrim-sports.gr/
e-mail: reservation@pilgrims-sports.gr / eltawil@pilgrims-sports.gr
General Manager - Mr. Yehia El Taweel
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