A high-level Emirati business delegation headed by the foreign trade minister held meetings with Lebanese officials and business leaders, signing five memorandums of understanding to expand trade and investment.
The Emirati delegation, led by Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, arrived in Lebanon with roughly 90 business executives and economic leaders. The visit included bilateral meetings between some 50 Emirati businesspeople and approximately 120 Lebanese business representatives across sectors including trade, industry, agriculture, tourism, information technology, oil, gas, banking, infrastructure and services.
Al Zeyoudi held successive meetings with Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Al Bussat, Minister of Industry Joe Eissa Al Khoury, Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rsamani, and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence Dr Kamal Shehade. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation, identifying opportunities and exploring possible partnerships to advance bilateral economic relations.
The Lebanese-Emirati economic forum opened at 3 p.m. with both countries' national anthems. The first meeting of the Joint Business Council was held, and five memorandums of understanding were signed.
Muhammad Shaker, chairman of the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce Federation, welcomed the delegation on behalf of Lebanon's private sector. He described the visit as the first heavyweight economic delegation to visit Lebanon in recent years marked by financial collapse, the pandemic and conflict, calling it a sign of Lebanon's recovery and gradual restoration of Arab and international confidence.
Shaker noted that a summit between President Joseph Aoun and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed had laid groundwork for this engagement, resulting in the creation of business councils between the two countries, the lifting of travel restrictions on Emiratis to Lebanon, and this delegation visit.
Sultan Abdullah Al Owais, deputy chairman of the UAE Chambers of Commerce, said the meeting opens the way to revitalizing and increasing bilateral trade. He noted that economic ties between the Emirates and Lebanon span decades, accelerating since the 1970s in building economic partnerships and trade.
Dr Kamal Shehade, the Lebanese technology minister, said Lebanon is on a path to recovery through three pillars: extending state authority across its territory, continuing financial and economic reform, and strengthening the rule of law. He said these steps form the foundation for a stable and investment-attractive environment.
Minister of Industry Joe Eissa Al Khoury said Lebanese talent has historically contributed to building the UAE, and that today the Emirates has become a leading platform globally for business, logistics, technology, investment and ideas. He told the business audience that Lebanon's private sector is not seeking grants or aid but rather proposing partnerships.
