Finance Minister Dr. Yassine Jaber visited the Regie’s booth at the “Made in Lebanon” exhibition on Monday, May 19, at the Forum de Beyrouth. He commended the Regie for its transformation, noting that it had evolved “from a loss-making institution to a profitable one that contributes to the public treasury and generates employment,” adding that Lebanese industry is currently presented with an “incredible opportunity.”
Jaber was welcomed by the Regie’s chairman and general manager, Eng. Nassif Seklawi, Government Commissioner Mirna Baz and Financial Controller Carol Youssef.
Following his visit to the Regie’s booth, Jaber continued his tour of the remaining exhibition booths, accompanied by Seklawi. In a statement to journalists, the minister said: “It is truly heartwarming to see that Lebanon is coming back to life. Industry is one of the most important sectors today, and we must support it and empower it to become the leading sector in the Lebanese market. This exhibition allows us to further explore the existing Lebanese industries and their potential.
I hope it will be held again in the coming years, with a larger number of international visitors, so they can witness the importance of Lebanese industry. I also hope we will expand our exports to the Arab world and the European Union, with whom we are partners.”
“On this occasion, I would like to pay tribute to the Regie and to Nassif Seklawi, who has led the institution for the past thirty years. He managed to transform the Regie from a loss-making institution to a profitable one that contributes to the public treasury and generates employment, whether in the industrial or in the agricultural sector. The Finance Ministry, which oversees the Regie, takes great pride in its achievements and extends its appreciation to its chairman and general manager and to all its employees.
We hope the Regie will continue on this path to success,” he added.
Jaber concluded by wishing “success to all Lebanese industrial enterprises,” noting that “the world is witnessing major changes due the United States’ recent decision to impose tariffs on several countries. This has transformed the global trade system, as the World Trade Organization previously prohibited such tariff increases. Today, however, all countries prioritize their own national interests.
“Lebanon is currently presented with an incredible opportunity. With the Arab world, Iraq, and several other countries open to Lebanon, and Syria in the midst of significant change, we must now encourage and support our industrial sector in order to expand into these markets,” he explained.