May 27, 2015

Lebanon keen to boost trade relations with China

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Wednesday 27 May 2015 - 13:51 Makkah mean time-9-8-1436

(Image from Lebanese Daily Star)

Beirut, (IINA) - Lebanon is keen on enhancing trade relations with China, Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam told the Arab-Chinese businessmen conference on Tuesday, vowing that Beirut would be a “reliable” partner, The Lebanese Daily Star reported.
“China has become Lebanon’s top trading partner over the last two years,” Salam told the conference, held at the Phoenicia hotel in Beirut. “We expect this partnership to expand and strengthen given the new prospects for cooperation.”
“Our pleasure has been doubled since it coincided with the 60th anniversary of the signing of the first trade deal between Lebanon and China,” he told the businessmen.
“We are sure that wisdom will prevail over extremism and fighting factors, and that moderation and consensus and harmony will prevail over aggression and violence,” he added. “This is the only rational way to achieve the interests of all.”
Dubbed “Building the Economic Belt of the Silk Road,” the forum was held to encourage stronger Arab-Chinese investment cooperation in addition to promoting trade partnership for “the Belt and the Silk Road.”
Salam said Lebanon has managed to maintain an acceptable growth rate despite the difficult political phase the country is going through.
“This fact, which confirms our ability to work in the most difficult circumstances, makes Lebanon a reliable partner,” he added. The premier said Lebanon also plans to become an active member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Meanwhile, Wang Zhengwei, chairperson of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, said that China is looking forward to strengthening economic and trade ties with the Arab world.
He also called on all Arab countries to take part in the economic belt of the Silk Road.
In the same context, Adnan Kassar, president of the General Union of chambers of commerce, industry and agriculture for Arab countries, said that the forum was very important because it focused on reactivating the old Silk Road while expanding it to in order to meet the demands of the 21st century.
SM/IINA

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