From taxation to customs, the IMF indicts Lebanon’s public finances management

Despite years of international assistance, the reform of customs and the tax administration — one of the most sensitive issues in Lebanese public finances — is once again at the forefront of the international agenda. Reforming these services, which manage the country’s main sources of public revenue, is seen by donors as one of the most important tests of Lebanon’s ability to restore international confidence and put an end to practices that have long undermined state revenue collection.Last week, Lebanese Finance Minister Yassine Jaber held an extended meeting with European Union representatives in Lebanon to discuss the customs reform process and the technical and financial support mechanisms the EU could provide. The discussions also covered the signing of implementation contracts in the coming months, once a comprehensive...