Lebanon Real Estate Newsletter Vol. 4, Issue 2 - February, 2008

I decided that I would come to Lebanon to live and start business in 1984; unfortunately circumstances did not allow this to happen till two years ago. I tried in 1996, but things were not quite ready. Today I see a new Lebanon with potential surpassing anything I had imagined.

Although we are far from being perfect and the current political situation is sometimes upsetting, I am very optimistic that Lebanon and the Lebanese people will overcome, learn and grow from all our current disagreements. If we review history of other countries we see the same or more turmoil in their developmental years. In fact I think Lebanon has come a long way in its short history. We are becoming more and more acceptable of rules, laws, and acceptable way of doing business nationally and internationally adhering to international standards and accountability. In addition the Lebanese people are very resilient and can adapt to change very quickly, we have survived and have overcome so much in our young history, from the devastating Lebanese Civil war, to the assassinations of prominent political figures, such as Prime Minister Rafic Harriri who had been a major force in the reconstruction of Lebanon, to Jebran Tweini who influenced the thinking of so many, yet Lebanon survived and continues to grow.

I look at the future of Lebanon as being strong, and prosperous, I worry more about immediate actions of different political groups but the mid term and long term outlook for Lebanon is bright more because of foreign investors prospects toward Lebanon as a real place for future investment whether it be in real estate or services. One can look at few industries just to feel the confidence that I have, look at the banking, real estate, export import industries, and you will find excellent growth. Lebanon is my home, our home, and we must be there in its difficult times because the rewards will be the benefit of our children.

Fouad Z. Habib
Chairman
FLF
Financial/Legal Services & Feasibility Studies