A hard summer for industry

The economic impact of the current phase of uncertainty is weighing differently on different sub sectors in the manufacturing industry. Overall, the toll on revenues, as far as it exists in the realm of industry, is just materializing, or will only emerge several months further into the year when current orders have been filled. This gives companies, fearful of their business prospects, a narrow window of about one quarter in which the country has to return to stability – otherwise they will face many difficulties. Many industrialists, however, see a positive future for manufacturing in Lebanon, provided, of course, political developments go smoothly. The accomplishment of a wave of civil freedom has shown in many precedents to stimulate demand and liberate previously stifled growth potential in an economy. In an environment of respectful interdependence with its Arab neighbors, Lebanon could benefit exceptionally well from a democratic spring and peaceful reforms