'We are working to reposition Lebanon on the region’s economic map,' Jaber tells Arab banks

BEIRUT — Finance Minister Yassine Jaber said Thursday that the government is "working to reposition Lebanon on the region’s economic map" during the Union of Arab Banks conference, titled "Investment in Reconstruction and the Role of Banks," held in Beirut.

"Today, we are working to reposition Lebanon in the regional economy, integrating it into major infrastructure projects, building hubs for trade and knowledge-sharing, and transforming our ports and airports into regional centers for transport, services and innovation," Jaber said.

The minister added that the government also aims to "rebuild a strong, reliable banking sector that can recover, regain its role as a regional leader, and once again become a driver of growth and confidence."

Using the image of the "phoenix rising from the ashes," the finance minister praised the country’s ability to overcome crises, rebuild and attract back investors who had left, describing it as "a reality embodied by the Lebanese thanks to an exceptional will to stay, produce and rebuild."

“Lebanon has not collapsed,” he insisted, calling it a country that perseveres and seeks a chance to recover. He emphasized that IMF-backed reforms remain central to the Nawaf Salam government, even as negotiations have stalled for months over how to handle the country’s massive financial losses.

The minister also said that public sector reform and reinvigorating the role of the state to become a driver for private sector investment remain government priorities.