Azour: We must rapidly restore Lebanon”s economy
Beirut – "Lebanon faces an opportunity for a fresh start," said Finance Minister Jihad Azour, adding that Lebanon”s current position opened regional economic possibilities.
Azour called on the Lebanese parliament to pass the 30 laws and three budget projects that were put on hold, which would also be highly beneficial to the Lebanese economy and the lives of the Lebanese. Economic growth would also be a gateway to addressing social problems, he added.
Talking to Lebanese journalists in his Riad Al-Solh office, Minister Azour said he hoped that the "negative force of disruption" would not be used in the future for any purpose as it only harmed the interests of the Lebanese people. "We must rapidly restore the economy… because the Lebanese are eager to once again set their economy in motion."
"We want to raise the revenue of Lebanese citizens through greater economic movement and more investments," he added.
Azour reconfirmed his support for the Paris 3 agreement as a means of economic reform.
On the need to amend wages, the Finance Minister said the correction of wages in the private sector would happen through a decree, whereas public sector wages required a bill. The problem, he continued, was that only one cabinet meeting had been held on the matter.
Azour said wage increases in the public sector are effective as of May 1, 2008 and cover military personnel and public institution employees.