Despite regional instability, a soaring public debt and the threat of international sanctions under UN Resolution 1559, the Lebanese economy experienced its strongest growth in seven years, largely due to a record number of tourists, increased exports and vigorous real estate activity. Yet, according to Georges Corm, the key to sustainable economic growth and greater competitiveness for Lebanon lies elsewhere. EXECUTIVE finds out why the former minister of finance is advocating a radical shift in the mentality of the nation’s economic dogma. E: Broadly speaking, what are the major economic issues you see facing the new government for the year 2005? Bearing in mind that this government will only be in power for a very short period of time, it will nevertheless have to tackle challenges such as the budget issue, the refinancing of the public debt, the electricity problem, and try to solve, if it has time, various problems
