Inauguration of the 3 mediterranean economic Forum in Lebanon

The Metropolitan Hotel hosted on Monday the inauguration of the third Mediterranean Economic Forum - MEDA CITY 2011 under the patronage of the Future bloc head Fouad Siniora representing former Premier Saad Hariri. The forum, held on 12 and 13 of September, organized by the Beirut Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture Chamber in cooperation of Beirut municipality, the Association of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME), the ANIMA investment network, and co-organized by the EU-funded program Invest in Med. It offers the region's stakeholders a platform to discuss and identify regional business priorities and opportunities. Presidents of Chambers and municipalities, as well as representatives of government committees and economic sectors of more than 20 Mediterranean countries are participating in the forum, completing the two previous editions of "Meda City Forum" which was held in November 2009 and 2010 in Barcelona- Spain, in order to create a platform for meeting, interaction and cooperation between Mediterranean cities to contribute in urban economic development. The forum is scheduled to tackle the Mediterranean cities' upcoming challenges, a new strategic vision, Mediterranean Green Cities' economic development, and cities' management and construction strategy. In his word delivered on the occasion, Beirut and Mount Lebanon Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture Chamber head Mohammad Shukair said geographic position is not the sole common point between Mediterranean cities and that the common challenges necessitate coordination and exchange of expertise. As for his part, Siniora said Beirut has been a prelude enabling Lebanon to regain its role in the Arab, Mediterranean, and international arenas. "Despite Israeli aggressions and internal conflicts, Lebanon has always inspired confidence to its neighborhood, he said.