(English) The fourth session of the Fourth Diaspora Economic Conference, organized by the Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. President General Joseph Aoun, was held at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut.

The session was chaired by Mr. Jacques Sarraf, GLI Chairman, with the participation of Mr. Yehya Kassaa, President of the Lebanese Franchise Association and CEO of Kassaa Lebanon Group, alongside other distinguished panelists including Mr. Philippe Jabr, Founder of Jabr Group, Mr. Georges Chahwan, Chairman of Plus Holding Group, and Mr. Georges Azar, CEO of Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty.

During the discussions, Mr. Sarraf and Mr. Kassaa jointly emphasized that the improvement of Lebanon’s investment climate is closely tied to political stability and the strengthening of confidence. They underlined the urgent need to combat corruption through the adoption of transparent mechanisms and the enforcement of the Public Procurement Law.

Both highlighted that macroeconomic stability requires addressing the depreciation of the national currency, liberating the financial sector from restrictive measures, and restructuring the banking system. On the administrative side, they stressed the importance of simplifying licensing requirements and accelerating approvals through a one-stop shop, while adopting digital transformation in public services and activating commercial courts.

Equally, they called for the development of infrastructure—particularly roads, transport, and digital industrial zones—and pointed to Lebanon’s human capital as a key driver to bridge the gap between labor market needs and available skills. This requires continued investment in vocational training and creating incentives for skilled professionals returning from abroad.

Mr. Sarraf and Mr. Kassaa further urged for the mobilization of Lebanese diaspora potential, including the millions of individuals who lost their nationality and remain deprived of equal investment opportunities due to ownership restrictions. They proposed a legal solution through granting the status of “Distinguished Lebanese Investor,” with special legal and fiscal privileges for investors of Lebanese origin.

Among the financing models they suggested were:

·      Patient Capital Funds supported by diaspora contributions

·      Diaspora-focused crowdfunding platforms

They concluded by calling on the Lebanese state to provide clear incentives, sovereign guarantees, and a fair, transparent legal framework to encourage both local and international investors to take part in Lebanon’s economic recovery.