In Lebanon we focus on:
- Supporting private sector competitiveness by improving the environment for private sector development and increasing the scope of available financial instruments
- Promoting sustainable energy supply, fostering energy sector reforms and enhancing energy efficiency
- Enhancing the quality and efficiency of public service delivery and supporting private sector participation in public infrastructure
Business opportunities for the Bank in Lebanon will depend on political initiatives and reforms pursued by the country as well as on regional geopolitics.
Initially, the Bank’s focus will be on financial institutions and the corporate sector, particularly Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.
The Bank will also engage in extensive policy dialogue with the authorities in cooperation with other international financial institutions to foster reforms in the infrastructure and energy sectors to encourage the private sector participation, pave the way to substantial future investments and to develop the business environment.
Lebanon became a shareholder of the EBRD on 14 July 2017 and a EBRD Country of Operations on 4 September 2017.
Current EBRD forecast for Lebanon’s Real GDP Growth in 2023 0.0%
Political deadlock continued to hold back Lebanon’s economy in 2022, as little progress was achieved on critical reforms. The economy is estimated to have recorded zero growth during 2022, following two years of deep recession (a 10.0 per cent GDP contraction in 2021, on top of a decline of 25.9 per cent in 2020). Uncertainty surrounding a potential IMF-supported programme has increased as key prerequisite reforms stalled, keeping Lebanon locked out of
international markets and further depleting official reserves.
