Economy

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

Karim Suaid defends the Bank of Lebanon's independence as a bulwark against government deficits and inflationary government financing. But this independence remains controversial after the financial collapse of 2019. Under the old governance, it also covered a strong opacity, proximity to commercial banks and still contested operations. Recovery will depend on a new balance between autonomy, transparency, public control and justice for applicants.

The Lebanese government suspended the import tax from 2% to 3%. Between consumer relief and criticism of tax improvisation, the debate remains open.

Finance Minister Yassine Jaber received a French delegation in Beirut to discuss economic reforms, banking restructuring and regional connection projects. This meeting takes place in a Lebanon that is still fragile by the financial collapse of 2019, the loss of confidence in banks, the deterioration of public services and regional tensions. The issue goes beyond bilateral cooperation: restoring the minimum conditions for a return on investment.

The estimate of $1.38 billion for building damage in South Lebanon does not contradict the broader estimates of $10 or $20 billion. It measures a limited perimeter: direct damage to buildings identified by satellite imagery, on a given date. The real cost of the war also includes infrastructure, economic losses, displacement, agricultural destruction and the lasting impact on an already weakened Lebanese economy.

The crisis of Lebanese bank deposits is entering a decisive phase. The decision of the Choura Council recalls that the executive cannot erase property rights by simple administrative strategy. Under Karim Suaid, the Bank of Lebanon must preserve monetary stability without becoming the appearance of commercial banks. The file requires a clear law, a hierarchy of losses, protection of depositors and credible banking restructuring.

The decision of the Choura Council on bank deposits opens a new phase in Lebanese litigation. It does not guarantee applicants full and immediate reimbursement. But it provides a legal argument against lollars and haircuts imposed without clear law. By recalling that a bank debt is a protected property right, the administrative judge weakens the management by circulars and refers Parliament to its responsibilities.

Alan Greenspan, who died at the age of 100, left the image of a controversial architect of the American economy. Former Fed's boss, he had criticized economic trempism, denouncing tariffs, deficits, pressure on the central bank and the risk of lasting weakening US rules.