A delegation from the Arab Society for Economic Research (ASFER), headed by its secretary-general, the president of Egypt’s Institute of National Planning and former planning minister Prof. Ashraf el-Araby, visited the Regie to learn more about its pioneering experience.
In addition to Araby, the delegation included Prof. Khaled Hanafy, former Egyptian minister of supply and internal trade; Prof. Jehan Saleh, secretary-general of the Union of Arab Chambers and adviser of the Egyptian prime minister for economic affairs; several other prominent Egyptian figures; as well as Prof. Ali Fakih, associate dean of the LAU School of Business.
During their meeting with the Regie’s chairman and general manager, Eng. Nassif Seklaoui, attended by Board Members Eng. Georges Hobeika and Dr. Mazen Abboud, the visitors gained insight into the experience of a pioneering Lebanese state-owned institution managing a public service.
They learned that even within a sector that is harmful to health, economic effectiveness can be achieved through enhanced efficiency, black market regulation, sound management of social policies during wartime, and the ability to ensure the continuity of the public service in times of crisis. Together, these elements drive development, strengthen market dominance and improve performance.
The delegation also listened to brief presentations delivered by the Financial, Development and Production Departments, before concluding their visit with a tour of the production plant.