In its venture to forge partnerships with global players and foster sustainable economic growth, Byblos Bank hosted a luncheon to honor the delegation of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and celebrate the newly established partnership with this World Bank Group member. The luncheon took place at Eau de Vie restaurant in the presence of the Governor of the Banque du Liban Mr. Riad Salameh, the President of the Association of Banks in Lebanon Dr. Joseph Torbey, the Chairman and General Manager of Byblos Bank Group Dr. François S. Bassil, in addition to notable figures from both the political and banking sectors, prominent businessmen, high-profile clients, and managers of the Byblos Bank Group.

In his opening speech, the Chairman and General Manager of Byblos Invest Bank, Mr. Sami Haddad, praised the bilateral relationship between IFC and Byblos Bank. He said, “IFC's large investment of USD 100 million in the capital of Byblos Bank is a very precious sign of confidence which confirms that our Bank has reached the highest standards of excellence.” He added, “Byblos Bank continues to give high priority to financing productive private sector companies in Lebanon and other developing countries in which it operates. It makes a special effort to target small- and medium- scale enterprises and to finance activities that result in the creation of as many sustainable jobs as possible.”

Commenting on IFC’s investment in Byblos Bank, IFC’s Director for Global Financial Markets, Ms. Georgina Baker, said, “Our investment is a vote of confidence, not only in Byblos Bank's strategy, but in the Lebanese economy and the region. Byblos Bank has the vision and scale to become a significant regional player, which will help increase access to finance, further private sector development, and create new jobs.”