Economy Minister Engages U.S. Officials in Washington for Enhanced Economic Cooperation.

Washington: Caretaker Minister of Economy and Trade, Dr. Amin Salam, has expanded his meetings in the U.S. capital following positive signals from the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump regarding Lebanon and the Middle East. Minister Salam met with Enoh Ebong, the Executive Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), to discuss enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the meeting, which included Ebong and her team, focused on boosting bilateral economic ties, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, energy, and technology. Minister Salam emphasized the importance of U.S. support for development projects in Lebanon, with a specific emphasis on sustainable infrastructure development and economic growth, which are mutual interests of both countries. Discussions also centered on encouraging greater U.S. investment in Lebanon, especially in post-crisis reconstruction efforts. Both sides explored the potential roles U .S. companies could play in rebuilding Lebanon's infrastructure, alongside providing technical and financial support for priority projects aimed at enhancing Lebanon's economic growth and improving citizens' living conditions. Additionally, the U.S. side presented Minister Salam with a detailed study on the Qlayaat Airport, originally prepared fifteen years ago, to discuss the possibility of updating it if Lebanon proceeds with the airport's development and operation. At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to establish a communication platform between the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and Lebanon's Ministry of Economy and Trade. This platform will track and advance a series of joint projects, contributing to the rebuilding of Lebanon's economy through a shared medium- and long-term action plan.