Jaber: Supporting the Private Sector Is a Core Pillar for Economic Revival

Finance Minister Yasin Jaber affirmed that "supporting the private sector and enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors constitute a fundamental pillar for restoring economic activity, stimulating investment, and creating job opportunities," stressing the "importance of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in keeping pace with Lebanon at this stage."

This came during his meeting with Aftab Ahmad, the regional director of the International Finance Corporation, who concluded his assignment in Beirut, and Thomas Jacobs, the new regional director, in the presence of Enrique Armas, country director of the World Bank, Eleftheriades, chief economist, Georges Meraoui, general financial director, and economic advisor Zina Qasim.

The discussion focused on ways to strengthen the IFC's support for the Lebanese private sector, expand areas of partnership and investment—particularly in vital sectors—with emphasis on the electricity sector, where private sector collaboration could contribute to modernizing, improving efficiency, and ensuring sustainability of the sector. The conversation also highlighted the importance of reopening Lebanon to its regional environment and enhancing its economic integration, especially through revitalizing trade corridors, expanding trade and services flows, and leveraging Lebanon’s strategic location to reposition itself as a regional hub for transit, trade, and services.

In turn, Ahmad reaffirmed the IFC’s commitment to continuing its support for Lebanon and its private sector, working with the government to identify viable investment opportunities and implementable partnerships that strengthen the private sector’s role in leading economic recovery and achieving sustainable growth.

The two sides agreed to continue cooperation and develop an operational framework for partnership in the coming phase, aligned with the government’s priorities of stimulating private investment, developing infrastructure, and boosting economic growth.