Hariri for Competition Based on Integration of Arab Economies
Mustaqbal Movement leader Saad Hariri on Wednesday called for "constructive competition" between Arab economies based on integration of such structures.
Hariri made the call in an address at the opening session in Beirut of the Lebanese-Omani Business Forum.
He said "all indications predict that Lebanon … would not be affected by the international financial crisis."
However, Hariri added, "we cannot claim absolute immunity as we are not capable of isolating our economy from foreign developments."
Some circles believe that the crisis reflects failure of globalizing the economy "but I still believe that market economy is the ideal system, but it should be surrounded by safeguards," Hariri added.
He called for "developing … cooperation between Arab states by activating and developing joint Arab investment in the fields of tourism, agriculture, industry, data technology, media, advertising and education to achieve real integration."