The Council of Saudi Chambers, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Lebanon and Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group organized the Saudi Lebanese Forum in its 5th round on October 27 and 28, 2009 at the Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel, Beirut.

In convening in its fifth session, the forum once again expressed the extent and depth of relations between the two countries and reinforce and develop these relations in their various aspects.

The forum surveyed and assessed recent developments and trends in both the Saudi and Lebanese economies, and highlight business and investment opportunities available in both countries especially in real estate, industry, commerce, transport, banking, services, and other sectors and activities. Main topics on its agenda include:

• The Saudi economy in the post global crisis era: Elements of strength and future prospects.
• Developments in the Lebanese economy, prospects for the next phase and main challenges
• Developments in the investment climate in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon compared with other countries in the region.
• Prospects for investment opportunities and cooperation in industry.
• Prospects for investment opportunities and cooperation in commerce, services and real estate.
• Prospects for investment opportunities and cooperation in infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships.

The 5th session of the Saudi Lebanese Forum came after the success of the first four sessions that were held in Jeddah (1995), Beirut (2001) and Riyadh (2003 and 2004), and the last two sessions were held under the kind patronage of His Highness Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz and the late Lebanese President of the Council of Ministers H.E. Rafic Hariri, and attracted wide attendance by Saudi and Lebanese businessmen from both private and public sectors.