Economy Minister Bisat to the diaspora: Lebanon needs partners, not visitors

Beirut One opens as a recalibration of Lebanon’s relationship with capital, its diaspora, and its private sector. Organized by the Lebanese government, the conference presents the first phase of an investment-driven recovery, one grounded in realism while aiming to rebuild what officials repeatedly describe as Lebanon’s most depleted resource: trust. With events continuing through Tuesday, November 18, and Wednesday, November 19, at the Seaside Pavilion, Beirut One promises further discussions, sectoral plans, and opportunities to engage with Lebanon’s evolving economic strategy.

In an exclusive interview with The Beiruter, Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Bisat outlined the aims of the conference as well as the political and economic conditions that shape this moment. Asked what distinguishes Beirut One from previous high-profile gatherings, the minister described the conference as the first fully integrated effort by the state to rearticulate an economic vision.

The importance of this conference is that it’s comprehensive, and it brings together the government in all its capacities. It will present a new economic vision where we see the country heading.

The emphasis, however, extended beyond government. “We will also have the Lebanese private sector, which never abandoned the country and continues to work with full force,” he said.
“You also have the Lebanese diaspora… We are asking them to start seeing Lebanon as a place of production, an economy of productivity.” The conference drew notable international interest.
According to the minister, 120 participants flew in specifically for the event, representing around 50 international companies. “There is a dense presence” of Lebanese expatriates embedded in international companies, he said.

There is participation from most Arab countries… Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman… also investors coming from France, Germany, and the United States.

A moment defined by realism

Minister Bisat did not shy away from the entrenched crises that continue to define Lebanon’s economy. “We are fully aware that the economic crisis… is still ongoing. There are still many reforms required before major investments can come in: the banking sector, the electricity sector, improving state institutions, security, the issue of weapons, and restoring state control over all sovereign functions. These are all prerequisites.”

Still, he argued, investors rarely wait for perfect conditions. “The investor who comes now is the one who thinks from the very beginning and asks: Are we on a new track?” “After ten years of ‘divorce’ with investors, this is the first time they come back to meet us at the starting point.”

Internally, the greatest challenge remains credibility, particularly after the banking collapse and years of policy paralysis. “We’re realistic. There is a trust crisis. There is a clear credibility crisis.” Yet Minister Bisat insisted that political shifts, a new governmental term, and regional developments create room for a new trajectory.

We call this conference ‘Beirut 1,’ and we call it the conference of rebuilding trust. This is the beginning of rebuilding trust… The reform journey has begun.

The government’s economic vision

When asked whether foreign investors face conditions or restrictions, the response was unequivocal: “There’s no imposition. What we have is a comprehensive economic vision that we will present, starting with fundamentals.” This includes positions on the banking sector, energy, infrastructure, telecom, institutional reform, judicial stability, and fiscal rehabilitation.

The government plans to outline action plans for 17 sectors, ranging from electricity and water to industry, agriculture, and tourism, each with defined targets spanning two to four years. “Let me be clear: we are at the beginning. No one is selling illusions. We know very well that trust is easy to lose and hard to regain.”

In a stark differentiation from previous donor frameworks, the minister underscored that Beirut One is not designed around aid or grants. “Paris 1 was about grants, foreign aid, IMF programs, and donor support. No, we are not saying our future relies on aid. Our future is an investment-driven one.” This shift, from donor dependency to investment orientation, is framed as both ideological and practical. “We will not rely on donors; we will rebuild with our own hands… Here there is seriousness. There is realism. There is a program, a vision.” The government is asking investors to “look again”, and to judge results within 7 to 10 years.

Early indicators

On the question of tangible improvement, the minister issued a caution rooted in economic reality. “This path, like falling, is easy on the way down but difficult on the way up. It takes time to climb out from below zero.” Yet he pointed to indicators suggesting that 2025 may mark the first year of real economic growth since 2011. “There are signs that 2025 will show positive indicators… The private sector is moving again.” Sectors showing momentum include tourism, commerce, consulting, and real estate. Hospitality investments, in particular, are rising. Still, he stressed the urgency of reforms: the financial sector, the banking sector, weapons, and bureaucratic streamlining. “If we succeed, I believe prosperity will come faster than expected.”

A direct appeal to the Lebanese diaspora

Closing the interview, the official delivered a pointed message through The Beiruter to expatriates worldwide: “They are one of our greatest assets… the diaspora may be the most important asset of all.” He emphasized partnership rather than sentimentality: “We want them to be our partners in prosperity… We don’t want them to only visit or spend summers here.” The state’s responsibility, he argued, is to de-risk investment, not by diminishing profit, but by implementing reforms that reduce exposure. “We expect, hope, and want them to be our partners in investment and prosperity. It’s a win-win situation.”

Beirut One signals the government articulating a strategic shift, away from aid dependency and toward an investment-driven framework that depends on private-sector capability, diaspora engagement, and restored institutional credibility. After years of crisis, Beirut One is Lebanon’s statement that restoring trust and growth are possible.