Minister of Industry in the caretaker government, George Boushkian, continued his visit to Belgium and held a series of meetings with officials at the European Commission in Brussels. Minister Boushkian began his meetings with the Director-General of the European Neighborhood Policy, Gert Kopmann, where they discussed "the needs of the Lebanese industrial sector and the importance of continued European Union support for this sector, which is considered a lever for the national economy, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the emphasis the Ministry of Industry places on green industry."
They "agreed to organize several activities to inform industrialists about the new legislation issued by the European Union in the environmental field (Green Deal regulations) and to assist them in aligning with these legislations." Boushkian confirmed that his meetings in Brussels were "positive," and he sensed "understanding from the European side, and mutual appreciation for the close relations between Lebanon and EU countries."
He noted that "the discussions also focused on the importance of encouraging Lebanese and foreign investments, specifically European ones, in interdependent and complementary industries with Lebanon, in addition to technological industries, as they provide numerous job opportunities for educated and specialized Lebanese youth."
He also met with Alessio Caplani, the official responsible for the Middle East at the European External Action Service (EEAS), where they discussed the challenges facing the industrial sector amid the displacement crisis and illegal labor, as well as the decisions and measures taken by the Ministry of Industry to address and mitigate violations in this regard.
Additionally, he held talks with officials from the European Investment Bank (EIB) regarding what the bank can offer the industrial sector in Lebanon to enhance investments and support small and medium-sized enterprises and renewable energy projects in industrial institutions.
