In today`s globalization, there are no boundaries.

What measures can be taken to support the industrialists in terms of electricity shortage?

The Lebanese industrialists have been facing numerous challenges for long years. Still, despite the incumbent hindrances - mainly the policies adopted by successive governments, that did not embrace nor believe in the industry’s vital role in boosting the Lebanese economy- industrialists managed to overcome these obstacles and succeeded in entering the most demanding global markets such as the United States, Europe, Australia, Canada, and Japan, in addition to the Gulf’s brotherly and friendly countries and Africa.

These successes stemmed from the industrialists’ perseverance and determination to renew and develop their businesses; considering most Lebanese entrepreneurship are family businesses tied to legacy, reputation, family name, and stature. You pointed out electricity shortage; is just one of many other issues industrialists are facing. It is a significant matter, but its solution is widely associated with a comprehensive reform plan of the electricity sector in Lebanon, an increase in the number of power plants, and a grid between Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon to supply energy and fuel. Nevertheless, industrialists managed to equip their factories with private generators that do the job. However,

"Industrialists managed to overcome these obstacles and succeeded in entering the most demanding global markets such as the United States, Europe, Australia, Canada, and Japan."

the ministry's role was crucial in curbing these needs; it had and still is deploying all its efforts to cover this shortage mainly through joint projects with UNIDO and the EU. These projects include the use of alternative energy (solar power), promotion of energy efficiency, and rational use of energy. Moreover, the MoI offered industrialists training programs, and provided assistance to SMEs in particular, by granting them funds and power-saving equipment. It is worth noting that many other productive sectors do not rely heavily on energy in their production, which cuts down the bill. Electricity shortage remains the main issue for the factories that rely on energy in their production by 40% to 60%.

What is your plan in restoring the right balance in the Lebanese industry sector?

Today, the industry has become one of the main sectors and a vital foundation in the national economy. Industry’s contribution to the GDP has increased. This is an indicator of investment in new industries and an increase in the production of the existing ones. It is a sign of a healthy and prosperous national industry. Since I took office as the Minister of Industry, I started a purposeful campaign to encourage industrialists to comply with specifications in their production. This campaign has been accepted and welcomed by most industrialists that are already committed to quality standards – essential for the continuity and growth of their establishments and for the sustainability of the branding they inherited from generation to generation. We are also working on facilitating the issuance of industrial permits. As for the industrialists’ demands, I endeavor to find solutions with the relevant ministries and administrations. It is a virtuous circle. I believe industry and production in Lebanon are on the right track.

Lebanon’s industry sector needs to increase its exports and lower its imports, how can this be achieved considering Lebanon's Lira depreciation and subsidies lift?

In my opinion, the Lebanese national currency depreciation serves our industrial exports. Statistics show an increase in exports of all productive sectors by 30% to 40%. Several industries even export all their production to foreign countries. As for imports reduction, the industrialists must import raw materials needed for their manufacturing, as well the equipment, machines, and necessary supplies to equip, renew, and expand factories with new production lines. The imports of other products and goods are made by the trade sector and agents. Imports also witnessed a tremendous fall compared to previous years. The strong purchasing power - due to the injection of fresh dollars, either from salaries earned in dollars or from transfers made by the Lebanese diaspora to their familiesplayed a drastic role in the imports volume. This is a healthy indicator; it brings our trade balance into equilibrium, limits the outflow of dollars, and promotes the inflow of foreign currencies into Lebanon.

What new markets should the Lebanese industrialists be open to?

In today’s globalization, there are no boundaries. All markets are open to each other. Industrialists only must create a highdemand product that helps them penetrate borders and compete with similar items. Four years ago, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants appointed economic attachés in 20 countries with which we have vital trade relationships. These attachés are playing a crucial role by connecting Lebanese exporters with points of sale in these foreign countries. Additionally, the medium and large industries in Lebanon developed a foreign marketing department to contact their agents abroad. Since the Lebanese industrialists have reached the US, Europe, Japan, China, and Europe, I don’t think it would be hard for them to enter any other country. They just must stay focused and work hard. The MoI will support them as much as possible within its powers, through the simplification of procedures, proposal of new laws or amendment of the existing ones, or taking necessary measures and decisions to protect industrialists.