Beirut: Economy and Trade Minister, Amer Bisat, affirmed that Lebanon is entering a ‘serious reform phase’ aimed at rebuilding its economy on ‘realistic and sustainable foundations.’ The Minister stressed that recent positive indicators ‘must evolve into lasting growth rather than temporary recovery.’

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Bisat addressed a delegation from the Economic Journalists Association, emphasizing Lebanon’s strong fundamentals for growth, including human capital, education, innovation, and regional economic ties. He noted that economic revival in Syria naturally reflects on Lebanon due to deep structural interdependence.

Furthermore, Bisat explained the government’s goal to restore Lebanon’s economic size to $60-70 billion, up from the current $30-40 billion. He projected growth this year to reach around 5 percent compared to 2024. The Minister outlined four pillars for recovery: banking reform; improving competitiveness through lower production costs; good governance and admi
nistrative efficiency; and consolidating state sovereignty and stability as prerequisites for growth.

Bisat also highlighted progress in infrastructure sectors such as electricity, telecommunications, ports, and airports, along with digitalization efforts that have raised transaction automation to 80 percent. Regarding IMF negotiations, he confirmed Lebanon’s ‘unified, serious stance,’ rejecting any deposit write-off and advocating for a fair distribution of losses.

He urged a shift in narrative from seeking aid to attracting investment, calling on economic media to ‘present the full picture responsibly and accompany Lebanon’s transformation with realism and hope.’