On May 8, Minister of Economy and Trade Sami Haddad said he would submit a bill to the cabinet to streamline the existing business registration process in Lebanon by introducing “one of a series of reform initiatives that will help create a business friendly environment in the country.” Talk of reform may seem particularly hollow as parliament has not been convened since November, but Haddad said the new system could be in place by the end of the year as it does not require amending existing legislation or introducing any new laws. While the reforms fall well short of the legislative overhaul required for Lebanon to enter the World Trade Organization, if adopted, they will significantly reduce the bureaucratic mess potential entrepreneurs must wade through to set up shop. The plan will standardize the documentation necessary to register a company and will introduce a uniform payment system, which should reduce
