– Strong and deep-rooted relations between Doha and Beirut

– Qatari delegations studied Lebanon’s needs in various fields

Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Bassat praised the Qatari-Lebanese relations, describing them as strong and deep-rooted over decades. He noted that Qatar has been a pioneer in providing aid to the Lebanese people and state institutions, especially the Lebanese Army. In a statement to “Al-Sharq,” he said that Qatari aid to Lebanon has never stopped and continues steadily. The Lebanese government has repeatedly received Qatari delegations studying Lebanon’s needs in various sectors and fulfilling them. He confirmed that the visit of His Excellency President Michel Aoun to Qatar contributed to consolidating brotherly relations and enhancing cooperation between the two brotherly countries. He expressed confidence that these relations will develop into a permanent and continuous partnership on all levels.

Regarding the challenges facing Lebanese industrialists, the Minister said the first priority is to reduce production costs before any other matter, including protectionism and reciprocity. He explained that the problem for Lebanese industry today is the very high production cost; for example, electricity costs 30 cents while in Turkey it is 6 cents, a significant difference that hinders competitiveness. Therefore, the Lebanese industrial sector needs electricity reform, infrastructure modernization, and improvements in telecommunications and internet services to reduce costs. He added that contacts have begun with Qatar, Gulf countries, and other Arab brothers to conclude trade agreements. Some agreements have been signed but need activation and updating. Lebanon is also reviewing trade agreements not just theoretically but with a clear goal: to serve Lebanese producers and exporters.

He pointed out that work is underway to reassess priorities for market access and to update the regulatory frameworks of international trade relations. Recently, a broad meeting was held with Lebanese economic attachés from various countries for the first time in years to understand the realities of target markets country by country and to discuss how to enhance the positioning of Lebanese products, linking opportunities with capabilities to facilitate the export of Lebanese industries. Conferences and opening new markets are also being organized, all factors that help the prosperity of industry and the economy in Lebanon.

Regarding Qatari-Lebanese relations, Minister Bassat reiterated that these relations are strong and deep-rooted over decades, with Qatar being a pioneer in providing aid to the Lebanese people and state institutions, especially the Lebanese Army. Qatari aid has never stopped and continues steadily. The Lebanese government has received Qatari delegations studying Lebanon’s needs in various fields and fulfilling them. He confirmed that President Michel Aoun’s visit to Qatar helped consolidate brotherly relations and enhance cooperation between the two brotherly countries. He is confident these relations will develop into a permanent and continuous partnership on all levels. On the commercial and economic relations front, he confirmed that contacts are ongoing to enhance cooperation with sister Qatar and that agreements will be activated in the near future.