Beirut: Minister of Economy and Trade, Amer Bsat, and Minister of Information, Attorney Paul Morcos, on Friday held a joint press conference at the Ministry of Economy to launch the Guide "Know Your Rights in Trade and Industry." This guide consists of a series of clear and simplified questions and answers, coupled with practical models, to inform citizens of their rights in the trade and industry sector.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Minister Bsat welcomed Minister Morcos, emphasizing essential government cooperation aimed at improving public service and strengthening citizens' trust in the state. He thanked the "Justicia" team for developing the guide, which provides a simplified explanation on frequently asked questions about trade and industry in Lebanon, facilitating access to information for citizens and economic actors.
Minister Bsat highlighted that transparency and clarity of information are crucial steps in restoring confidence in the Lebanese economy. He stated that it is the state's responsibility to provide consumers, merchants, and industrialists with clear information regarding their rights and responsibilities.
The guide will be available online on the ministry's website economy.gov.lb, ensuring easy access for every citizen, business, and entrepreneur. Bsat mentioned that this initiative aims to regulate the market, support fair competition, protect consumers, and facilitate business by making information accessible and equal for all.
Bsat also expressed the Ministry of Economy and Trade's commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Information and other partners to promote transparency and access to information, which serves the national economy and bolsters citizens' confidence in state institutions.
Minister Morcos praised the Ministry of Information's role in raising awareness about citizens' rights, noting the guide as a point of interaction between citizens and ministries. He announced the prospect of publishing additional guides in collaboration with the Ministries of Labor and Health.
Morcos explained that the guides' information is derived from laws, court decisions, consultative bodies, and other institutions concerned with citizens' rights. The guide's content includes simplified answers to questions about setting up a business, required transactions, procedures, and distinctions between companies and businesses.
The guide is available online and will also be distributed in a free print version. Morcos stated that the Ministry of Information will continue informing citizens of their rights through other initiatives, including a guide on tax rights. He concluded by assuring regular updates to the information to reflect new laws and advisory opinions, with a ministry representative designated to oversee these updates.