Pan-Arab talks in Lebanon bring together businessmen, bankers

BEIRUT, Aug 3 (KUNA) -- Lebanon on Thursday hosted a gathering bringing together businessmen and bank officials from across the wider Arab region, allowing the two sectors a viable opportunity to explore greater cooperation.

The First Arab Forum for Banks and Businessmen, a collaborative endeavor between the Union of Arab Banks (UAB) and the World Union of Arab Bankers, sheds light on the need for better "investment performance," caretaker Trade and Economy Minister Amin Salam told the gathering.
More cooperation between the public and private sectors has now become "crucial" in providing a business environment that is more conducive to lure greater foreign investments, in addition to bolstering the national economy, he underlined.
On UAB's role and objectives, its financial resources committee chief Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah said the body serves as a "bridge" that links the business and banking sectors together, while it also contributes towards funding development projects.
He went on to highlight the talks as an "important chance" for Lebanon to restore "stability and balance" to its banking sector at a time where Beirut is grappling with economic turmoil, he said. (end) ayb.nam.