By Roy Lie A Tjam.
Lebanon’s Charge d’affaires, Ms. Abir Ali, hosted a networking event and reception for the occasion of the 10th visit by the Lebanese Trade Mission to the Netherlands.
The event took place at “ Residence of Lebanon ” in Wassenaar on May 19, 2015. A group of Lebanese and Dutch business personalities, diplomats, and others listened to a speech delivered by the aforementioned Lebanese Charge d’affaires Ms. Abir Ali.
For a full photo-album of the Lebanon Trade Mission to the Netherlands, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157651280938743
In her address, Ms. Ali updated her audience on the current economic and political situation of Lebanon and the surrounding region. According to her speech, the Lebanese economy is prospering despite being at the core of the regional turmoil. Ali also indicated numerous facts that support this claim. In the month of March 2015, more than US$1.2 billion were announced in investments and projects, US$500 million of which are in the private sector, excluding real estate and developments. The investment sectors involved included manufacturing, hospitality, banking, fiancé, cinema, industry, retail, technology, and more.
Currently, Lebanese inflation is essentially nonexistent with inflation levels at 0%. However, growth is slow. The phenomena of any economic growth at all is due to the innovation and ventures of the Lebanese entrepreneurs. Ms. Ali further referred to the similarities between Lebanese and Dutch entrepreneurs, making note of this excellent basis for partnership
On a personal note, the Charge d’affaires expressed her hope that someday she will able to see Lebanese products, food, fashion, and jewelry alongside all the other goods The Hague has to offer.
Ms. Abir Ali concluded by thanking the collaborators that made the visit and social event a success. She mentioned: Ms. Rijnen and Mr. Rabbani, while giving a warm welcome to Mr. Marc Zeenny (the new Dutch commercial attaché to the Lebanon) and a special welcome to H.E. Ms. Somsen (Dutch Ambassador to Lebanon). Additionally, she provided a word of thanks to all the Arab Ambassadors present as well as the Lebanese- and Dutch Businessmen.
