21/07/2026
The Belgian Business Council in Lebanon (BBCL), in partnership with the Belgian Embassy in Beirut and Banque du Liban, held "From Crisis to Continuity: Safeguarding Lebanon's Economy" on July 15, 2026, at the MEA Training Center in Beirut.
We were pleased to see our CEO, Eng. Rony AbdelHay, Board Member of the Belgian Business Council in Lebanon, participate as a speaker in this high-level economic dialogue, joining distinguished government officials, international institutions, and financial leaders to discuss Lebanon's economic future and the path toward sustainable recovery.
The event featured insightful addresses from:
• H.E. Dr. Kamal Shehadi – Minister of Displaced & Minister of State for Technology and AI (represented by Mr. Cyril Najjar)
• H.E. Mr. Arnout Pauwels – Ambassador of Belgium to Lebanon
• H.E. Mr. Gaby Tchennozian – Vice-Governor, Banque du Liban
• Mr. Enrique Blanco Armas – World Bank Group Country Manager for Lebanon
• Mrs. Alessandra Viezzer – Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Lebanon
• Mrs. Martine Abi Khalil Afif – President, Belgian Business Council in Lebanon
Discussions focused on key priorities for Lebanon's economic recovery, including governance and transparency, anti-corruption measures, banking sector restructuring, and strengthening partnerships with international institutions to restore confidence and encourage investment.
As BBCL President Mrs. Martine Abi Khalil Afif emphasized, Lebanon's greatest strength lies in its people. Their talent, resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and the strength of the private sector continue to inspire confidence and drive hope for the country's future.
In his closing remarks, Eng. Rony AbdelHay, speaking on behalf of the Belgian Business Council in Lebanon, highlighted Lebanon's 8,000-year legacy, its exceptional human capital, and its resilience through centuries of change. He reaffirmed that Lebanon deserves more than a constant struggle for survival and renewed the Council's commitment to strengthening economic cooperation between Lebanon and Belgium, supporting initiatives that enhance economic resilience, encourage investment, and contribute to sustainable recovery and development.
