Lebanese website hailed as solution to ‘lacking’ labour policy

Lebanon’s new initiative introduces job-seekers to employers Beirut – Georges Chahine Lebanon's Labour Minister Salim Jreissati has launched the National Employment Office's [NEO] Electronic Labour Exchange [ELE], an online employment service that brings together employers and job-seekers .The project is the culmination of four years' collaboration between the NEO and the International Labour Organisation [ILO], along with assistance from Canadian governmental agencies.
The project is aimed at developing publicly-owned employment services in Lebanon.
Jreissaty described the website as "a technical achievement" which "carried with it a summons to begin crystallising a labour policy which in Lebanon is still lacking."
NEO chief, Jean Abi Fadel, addressed attendees at the launch ceremony, revealing that the ILO contributed by training NEO employees abroad and helping upgrade office equipment.
“Creating the website required a great deal of time and effort,” Abi Fadel said. “It will adhere to the standards expected across all government websites.”
Fadel hoped the website would spell a brighter future -- and bigger budget -- for the NEO.
Regional ILO chief Al-Nashef said the ILO will continue to support the NEO's efforts towards strategic reforms to cope with the changing employment market. "We look forward to further collaborations with the Labour Ministry, workers, employers and other concerned parties in the country in order to enable the NEO to realise its full potential," the ILO official said.
Canada’s Ambassador in Beirut, Hilary Childs-Adams, added: "This system represents a fundamental change in adopted policies and a step forward for Lebanon's job market and workforce."
A documentary on the website was shown and discussed after the speeches.