‘We have tried to attract Syrian industrialists’

Vrej Sabounjian is perhaps the most positive person in Lebanon. Despite worsening security conditions, a refugee influx and a stagnant economy the country’s caretaker minister of industry is convinced that there are plenty of opportunities — companies just need to find them. Executive met with him to discuss his record in 2013. When this government was formed, you promised to be the most pro-industry government in Lebanon’s history. Have you failed? I have succeeded. The government was not saying that we were going to be 100 percent pro-industry. I think governments should have balanced policies with all the sectors — industry, services, tourism, etc. As far as industrial policy, I think we have done well and I would thank all my [ministerial] colleagues and the prime minister and president. We can say that after two and a half years the Lebanese industrialist has achieved a lot of things, but of