Economy

China has established itself as Lebanon's leading supplier and could already be at the forefront of its individual trading partners. Trade reached $2.8 billion in 2025, according to Chinese Ambassador Chen Chuandong, and then $1.29 billion in the first half of 2026 despite the regional war. Behind this spectacular increase, however, is a strong imbalance: Lebanon buys a lot from China but sells little to it. The next challenge is to attract Chinese investment and further open the Chinese market to Lebanese companies.

يح Whilst المر Whilst اللروبي للنحاهر في لبنان من وه的ا من لعدال

Alfa activated 5G in several areas of Beirut and its suburbs, before an announced expansion to 75 additional stations. This launch marks a first step for a long-standing Lebanon away from the modernization of mobile networks. However, the success of the project will depend on the quality of fibre optics, electricity, regulation, prices and the ability of the authorities to extend coverage beyond the main urban areas.

The Parliamentary Finance Committee finalized the review of the bank restructuring bill before a final meeting scheduled for Monday. For its president, Ibrahim Kanaan, this reform cannot restore confidence without a law guaranteeing the return of deposits. Financing these repayments and the effective implementation of future reforms now appear to be the main challenges of Lebanese economic recovery.

The Parliamentary Finance Committee finalized the review of the bank restructuring bill before a final meeting scheduled for Monday. For its president, Ibrahim Kanaan, this reform cannot restore confidence without a law guaranteeing the return of deposits. Financing these repayments and the effective implementation of future reforms now appear to be the main challenges of Lebanese economic recovery.

The Lebanese Council of Ministers requested the signing of the contract allowing the country to join the Medusa submarine cable, with the participation of Ogero. The Department of Finance must provide full funding for the project. This new link could diversify Lebanon's international roads and strengthen the network's resilience. However, its cost, capacity, timing and landing point have not yet been communicated.

The Lebanese Council of Ministers approved the allocation of parcel 1383 in the Medawar-Port area to the extension of the port of Beirut. This decision paves the way for a new land and logistics project, but its content remains largely undetermined. The government still needs to clarify the use of the land, the cost of work, the funding, the timing and the governance model chosen for this strategic infrastructure.

The Lebanese Council of Ministers approved the allocation of parcel 1383 in the Medawar-Port area to the extension of the port of Beirut. This decision paves the way for a new land and logistics project, but its content remains largely undetermined. The government still needs to clarify the use of the land, the cost of work, the funding, the timing and the governance model chosen for this strategic infrastructure.

The Council of Ministers approved the new electricity sector policy presented by the Ministry of Energy and Water. The Government has requested the preparation of the decrees necessary for its implementation. This decision revives a central site for the Lebanese economy, but the detailed content of the road map, its timetable, its quantified objectives and its financing mechanisms still need to be published.

Donald Trump informed Congress of his intention to remove Syria from the US list of states supporting terrorism. For Lebanon, this decision can revive trade routes, port services, transit operations and some projects related to Syrian reconstruction. But the positive effect remains uncertain. Without customs reform, border control, banking restructuring and a clear economic strategy, Beirut faces competition, smuggling and the costs of normalisation that it does not control.

Donald Trump informed Congress of his intention to remove Syria from the US list of states supporting terrorism. For Lebanon, this decision can revive trade routes, port services, transit operations and some projects related to Syrian reconstruction. But the positive effect remains uncertain. Without customs reform, border control, banking restructuring and a clear economic strategy, Beirut faces competition, smuggling and the costs of normalisation that it does not control.

Ghada Ayoub's proposed law aims at creating a special tax residence regime in Lebanon. The scheme would target non-resident individuals over the past five years, willing to transfer capital from abroad, invest at least $500,000 in productive sectors or deposit at least $1 million. The aim is to restore the country's economic attractiveness, while avoiding the image of a residence sold or a tax haven.

Beirut airport regains strong activity with the opening of the summer season. In June, 254,027 travellers arrived in Lebanon, compared with 187,372 departures. Early July confirms the acceleration, with 99,761 arrivals in seven days. This rebound supports the economy and the diaspora, but it intervenes in a fragile post-conflict context. It also places the real capacity of the airport at the centre of the public debate.

في ويره المر Whilst it's not the case, it's not the case