This is Beirut, 11:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
An official Lebanese delegation is heading to Washington, DC to participate in the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, carrying with it new promises and commitments aimed at pleasing these two international institutions. It seeks to convince them that Lebanon has indeed embarked on the path of reform and seeks to go even further by fulfilling all ...
Liliane Mokbel, 17/04 18:40 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Economy Public domain coastline
After decades of laissez-faire, has the tide finally turned? Breaking with a long-standing tradition of complacency toward violations of the coastline, the government of Nawaf Salam has withdrawn three controversial decrees adopted under the Mikati administration. These decrees had legitimized the appropriation of over 140,000 square meters of ...
This is Beirut, 17/04 16:50 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
In a notable move, President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, submitted two appeals before the Constitutional Council. The first concerns Law No. 1, which came into force by default and relates to the rental of non-residential spaces. The second concerns Law No. 2, also effective by default, aimed at amending certain provisions regulating the ...
This is Beirut, 17/04 14:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Asia's major exporters Vietnam, Japan and Taiwan are among the first economies to open negotiations with Washington over US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, taking advantage of a 90-day reprieve from the global trade war. Notably absent from those trying to reach a compromise with Washington is China, which faces levies of up to 145 ...
This is Beirut, 16/04 18:49 - Reading : 5 minute(s)
The Finance and Budget Committee, chaired by MP Ibrahim Kanaan, has tentatively approved an increase in Lebanon's contribution to the International Monetary Fund, requesting Minister of Finance Yassine Jaber to provide a study on the feasibility of raising Lebanon’s contribution by $423 million. According to Kanaan, the increase in ...
Christiane Tager, 15/04 22:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Gulf Joseph Aoun United Arab Emirates Qatar economy
The visit, which began Tuesday in Doha, aims to solidify bilateral relations and formally acknowledge Qatar’s support during Lebanon’s recent presidential election. However, beyond symbolic gestures, high-level discussions will focus on economic recovery, energy cooperation, and Qatar’s potential role in stabilizing Lebanon’s ailing ...
This is Beirut, 12/04 12:25 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Iraq Iran Sanctions US economy
Every Friday, Alawi crosses the border from Iran into Iraq to sell his produce in the markets of Basra, which serve as a haven for Iranians grappling with economic sanctions. He is just one of many Iranian peddlers who endure the arduous journey into southern Iraq through the Chalamja border crossing. They bring essential goods such as chicken, ...
This is Beirut, 09/04 05:45 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
United States China Tariffs Economy Markets
US President Donald Trump's punishing tariffs on dozens of economies came in force Wednesday, including over 100 percent in levies against Chinese goods, dramatically ramping up a devastating global trade war. Following the imposition of sweeping 10 percent tariffs have rocked the global economy since coming into force over the weekend, rates ...
Christiane Tager, 08/04 22:40 - Reading : less than a minute
Donald Trump USA India economy Tariffs
Over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds are polished in India, cementing the country’s status as the global epicenter of brilliance. Yet, the sparkle of this thriving industry is under threat. A 27% US tariff, introduced by Donald Trump, casts a long shadow over India’s diamond trade, while retaliatory measures from India add fuel to the ...
Mario Chartouni, 07/04 21:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Economy free trade Commerce Deficit
If there is one thing on which the vast majority of serious economists agree, whether they lean politically left or right, it is that free trade and commerce are beneficial to a nation. Yet, this truth is being contested today. Trade deficits are generating a lot of ink in the media, and they are being used to justify counterproductive policies. ...
This is Beirut, 07/04 05:15 - Reading : 5 minute(s)
United States Donald Trump Economy Markets
Asian markets took a huge plunge Monday as US futures pointed to significant losses on Wall Street over Donald Trump's punishing tariffs, even as countries sought compromise with the defiant president. Trump denied Sunday he was intentionally engineering a selloff and insisted he could not foresee market reactions, saying he would not make a ...
This is Beirut, 05/04 05:20 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
United States Donald Trump Tariffs Economy
President Donald Trump goaded China on Friday after the United States' chief economic rival retaliated against his tariffs, and he dismissed falling stock markets over the growing global trade war, touting it as a chance to "get rich." "China played it wrong, they panicked -- the one thing they cannot afford to do!" Trump ...