The European Commission (EC) hosted the 2nd EC-Lebanon economic dialogue in Brussels. On the Commission, side the discussions were led by Directorate General External Relations, Christian Leffler and Directorate General Economy and Finance, Alexander Italianer.
Lebanon’s Minister of Economy and Trade Marwan Hamadeh headed the Lebanese team. The agenda included Lebanon's economic perspectives and performance, European Union (EU) economic situation, Lebanese industrial competitiveness under the new free trade agreement and the impact of
enlargement on the Lebanese economy.
The two sides agreed to deepen coordination on implementation of the Association Agreement and accepted the idea in principle of establishing an experts group to examine areas of concern to Lebanon, such as high energy and production costs facing industry.
The EU policy for Wider Europe featured prominently in the discussions, including Lebanon's expressed enthusiasm for full participation. Contacts on trade matters will continue through the network of trade coordinators set up earlier this year. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
