GDP growth to accelerate to 2.5 percent this year. Fiscal and current account deficits to remain sizable

The World Bank has projected an improvement in economic growth this year, but expects fiscal and current account deficits to remain elevated.

Real GDP growth is expected to improve to 2.5 percent in 2017, provided the country does not revert to political stalemate, according to the spring issue of the World Bank's Lebanon Economic Monitor.

The factors triggering the projected growth include the progress made in domestic politics, the continued revival of the tourism sector, and...

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Campaign to lure tourists is launched. 150 international tourism companies to visit the country next month

Representatives from 150 travel and tourism companies visiting the country next month will be introduced to local hospitality players. The visitors will participate in a forum that will be held on May 24, at Le Royal, Dbayeh, where 50 local travel and tourism companies will introduce their services, and have face-to-face business meetings.

Wadih Kanaan, General Secretary of the Syndicate of Hotel Owners, said: "More than 800 international companies submitted applications to participate in...

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$2 billion available from China Silk Road. Funds await proposals from government

The Silk Road Chamber for International Commerce (SRCIC) is ready to grant $2 billion in loans with low interest rates to the local market, according to Adnan Kassar, Chairman of the Economic Bodies and the founding father of Lebanese-Chinese relations.

"Tapping these funds is strictly tied with the government's ability to put forth economic projects with benefit to the road," Kassar, who is also the honorary Chairman of the SRCIC, said.

The allocation is part of a $5 billion Silk...

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