In the framework of the set of conferences held throughout the year at the Beirut Traders Association (BTA) in cooperation with BLOM BANK, H.E. Mr. Patrice Paoli, Ambassador of France in Lebanon, talked about “Giving an outsider viewpoint on the current economic situation in Lebanon, researching means to promote bilateral relations between Lebanon and France, and exchanging points of view concerning the need to apply and optimize a successful economic diplomacy for Lebanon.” The conference was held on Friday October 31st, 2014 in the presence of Mr. Nicolas Chammas – President of the Beirut Traders Association (BTA), Mr. Saad Azhari – Chairman and General Manager of BLOM BANK, and many other notorious business men in the financial and economic world.
On this note, Mr. Chammas welcomed H.E. Ambassador of France in Lebanon, Mr. Patrice Paoli in the name of the Association Board members, pointing that H.E. is revered among the Lebanese in addition to his personal keenness on Lebanon and his friendships with many Lebanese and ardent advocacy for the Lebanese economy. Mr. Chammas reiterated that the Association is honored by the presence of Mr. Paoli who has a distinctive analysis as an observer of the political situation and wanted this conference to be a thorough lecture in the economic situation as well, since it will also tackle the ways of developing and enhancing the relations between the two countries and allow an exchanging of views with respect to the consideration of the importance of the economic diplomacy application in Lebanon.
For his part, Mr. Azhari welcomed Mr. Paoli stressing that "we are lucky to have with us in these difficult circumstances in Lebanon and the region, the guest of experience, culture and diplomacy, Ambassador Paoli”. Mr. Azhari underlined “the importance of the Franco-Lebanese relations so Lebanon can stay an oasis of peace and coexistence and economic renaissance in the Arab world," and praised the political, economic, cultural and historical role of France. During his speech, Mr. Saad Azhari touched on banking relations between the two countries, pointing the importance of "the French banking contributions in Lebanon and the presence of most Lebanese banks in France”, declaring that he is “proud that BLOM Bank is one of them."
As for H.E. Mr. Patrice Paoli, he expressed his pleasure for being invited to speak about the Lebanese economic situation and the relations between France and Lebanon, noting that the economic and financial situation in Lebanon is quite favorable despite the volatile circumstances which constitutes a proof on the ability of the country to overcome obstacles. Mr. Paoli added that “the image of Lebanon that reaches France is not lately encouraging” and therefore “we must send a reassurance letter to the French companies.” Mr. Paoli said: “We invite the French companies to enter the Lebanese market and benefit from the human resources of the country as well as its expertise and its dynamism especially that Lebanon is an economic springboard toward the Middle East and African continent.” H.E. Mr. Patrice Paoli pointed that the Embassy has established an economic plan and ensured that the French authorities and the international community provide their continuous support to Lebanon.