RDCL President Nicolas Boukather at the France-Arab Economic Summit: A Call to Action for Lebanon Reform

On December 12, 2024, Nicolas Boukather, President of RDCL, participated in the 5th France-Arab Economic Summit at the Salons de l’Hôtel des Arts et Métiers in Paris. Lebanon was represented by Dr. Mohamad Abou Haidar (Ministry of Economy), Mr. Gaby Tamer (CCIABML), and Mr. Maxence Duault (ESA, Franco-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce), alongside Mr. Boukather.

In his speech, Boukather urged Lebanese policymakers to implement reforms essential for mobilizing the private sector, diaspora, Europeans, and Arab allies, offering a roadmap for Lebanon reconstruction across political, economic, and judicial sectors:

Political: Full implementation of Resolution 1701 to ensure all weapons are under the control of the Lebanese army and secure borders. Complete the Taif Agreement, restore ties with Arab nations, and elect a president and government urgently to rebuild trust at all levels.

Economic: Restructure the financial system, exit the FATF grey list, combat the parallel economy, and leverage Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to stimulate investments, providing competitive services to citizens and businesses.

Judicial: Strengthen judicial independence, fight corruption, prosecute criminals, and deliver justice for the Beirut port explosion. Ensure accountability to restore citizens’ trust and bring closure to past tragedies.

Boukhater emphasized the immense potential of Lebanon’s private sector domestically and in collaboration with Arab nations. He expressed hope for solid, independent, and politically stable foundations for Lebanon’s recovery. Highlighting opportunities tied to Lebanon’s renewal and Syria, he stressed political stability and easing Caesar sanctions as pathways for growth, with Lebanon positioned as a regional hub.

The summit brought together leaders from Arab and GCC countries, focusing on strengthening economic ties between France and the Arab world. Leaders concluded by emphasizing sustainable development as a shared priority.