NNA - Prime Minister, Dr. Nawaf Salam, confirmed  underway preparations for a major investment conference to be held next fall in Beirut, aimed to restore Lebanon’s position on the Arab and international economic map.

Premier Salam also pointed out that efforts are  ongoing to lift the Saudi travel ban to Lebanon as well as the ban on Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia.

Premier Salam's remarks came during his meeting  on Tuesday at the Grand Serail with a delegation from the Lebanese-Saudi Business Council, led by Raouf Abou Zaki, in the presence of former Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad.

The Prime Minister noted that he sensed Gulf officials’ keenness- particularly that of the Saudi Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister of Qatar- to support Lebanon through investments in various fields, provided reforms are implemented.  

The PM stressed that  judicial reform is the primary gateway to a broad comprehensive reform to protect investors and the Lebanese, affirming "the priority of achieving economic and financial reforms."  

Salam announced that "the government will approve a new appointment mechanism next Thursday," underlining "the importance of the ministerial committee formed to address the border issue, combat smuggling at illegal crossings, and enhance security and stability."

On the other hand, Premier Salam received Qatar's Ambassador to Lebanon, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, with whom he discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen them in various fields.

Separately, Salam received the Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon, Qian Minjian, who conveyed to the Prime Minister a congratulatory message from the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Li Keqiang, in which he affirmed "China's keenness to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various fields."

Ambassador Minjian also announced his country's government's decision to lift  travel restrictions on Chinese citizens visiting  Lebanon, and confirmed China's continued support for Lebanon at various levels.  

Salam also received a delegation from the Housing Bank, headed by the Bank's Chairman and General Manager, Antoine Habib, who briefed the Premier on the achievements that the Housing Bank  has accomplished to date.

=============== L.Y