Beiruting News

For the first time after the establishment of the Georgian-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce, a summit was held between the two countries in the presence of a number of officials and businessmen from the economic, financial and commercial sectors in Georgia and Lebanon.

A summit that create new areas and fields of cooperation between Georgia and Lebanon in terms of boosting trade, tourism, economic and financial exchanges in the capital of Tbilisi.  Minister of Tourism H.E Minister Awadis Dekran Guidanian was among the official attendees in addition to the current MP Simon Abi Ramia and former minister of energy and water Maurice Sehnaoui.

The conference began with the Lebanese national anthem followed by an opening speech by Mr. Hikmet Abou Zeid, Honorary President of the Lebanese-Georgian Chamber of Commerce, who focused on the importance to take the initiative to build communication bridges between countriesand people; building relationships with people on the premise that communication and exchange are and will always be the fundamental pillar of knowledge, development and prosperity. He then elaborated on Georgia, the impressive country and its fabulous resistance to crisis and stunning growth, and on Lebanon the small country, however rich due to its economic potentials, historical and archeological platform, religious milestones and cultural diversity of its social environment. His emphasis was on the objective of the convention to join forces, in search for the best methods and safest ways aiming for a steady and solid economic relationship in many fields, particularly commercial, touristic, industrial and cultural. Moreover, Mr. Abou Zeid defined the convention as a path for a long and beneficial keystone for both countries and announced a second convention to be held in Lebanon next year. Finalizing his speech by welcoming everyone and by only being present in the convention is a great success.

A second speech by the President of the Lebanese-Georgian Chamber of Commerce, Anestaz Murr, who considered this conference a fruitful and serious beginning to open trade and economic relations between Lebanon and Georgia and focused on the support of both official authorities in both countries to the creation of this chamber.

The President of the Georgian Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Nino Chekovani, considered that the Lebanese efforts in this conference indicate the possibility of great cooperation in the future and will be positively reflected on the economy of the two countries.

The conference included two sessions, the first dialogue entitled: The geo-strategic relations between Lebanon and Georgia, With the participation of former Deputy Dr. Amal Abu Zeid, Representative of the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, Mr. Victor Najarian, Deputy Director of Investments, Georgia Mr. Toniki Zyakishvili, The second panel discussion was entitled: Business and investment attractions between Lebanon and Georgia.

The Lebanese Minister of Tourism, Avidis Kedianian, and the President of the Tourism Administration of Georgia, as well as the Head of Investments and Small and Medium Business, attended a discussion on how to strengthen trade and tourism relations between the two countries and their reflection on employment opportunities and local national output.

In conclusion, all participants from the Lebanese and Georgian officials and businessmen praised the importance of this conference, which is being held for the first time and hoped to be completed in Beirut or Tbilisi to seek tangible results on the economy, trade and business in Lebanon and Georgia.