December 04 / January 05



Editorial


Land of miracles



Region


Despite US optimism, the region remains unstable
Another year Another conflict




ESCWA's secretary general discusses the challenges ahead
Mervat Tallawy promoting economic development




Regional voices
which way in 2005



Economy


The economy remained vulnerable to political instability
It ain’t broke but it needs fixing




Former finance minister outline his vsion for the economic growth
Q&A: Georges Corm




Economy Voices
Reform Horoscope



Banking


the sector enjoyed a more efficient monetary policy
Brighter times for banking in Lebanon




A third generation banker at the third biggest bank
Q&A: Semaan Bassil




Banking voices
Size still matters



Finance


A record year despite regional strife
No monkeying around on the markets




FFA's boss says bing an independent player is no mean feat
Q&A: Jean Riachi




Finance voices
Where’s the regulation?



Insurance


The sector was defined by transparency and greater regional opportunities
Insurers reassured by more visibility




Arope boss tells how the sector wants to contribute to the creation and stabilization of economic growth
Q&A: Fateh Bekdache




Insurance voices
Taking the pulse



Industry


Lebanese industrialists had mixed feelings, despite seeing increased exports in 2004
Success in spite of adversity for industry




After 50 years in business, the Malia Group's boss has big plans for the future
Q&A: Jacques Sarraf




Industry voices
Light at end of tunnel?



Tourisim


Although numbers were up, gauging what tourists want remained a challenge
Visitors to Lebanon, what do they want?




Tourism boss discusses what can be done to woo the non arab tourists?
Q&A: Elie Nakhal




Tourism voices
High flying times



Real Estate


A year characterized by increased demand for high-end properties
Sky’s the limit for real estate sector




Solidere's souks project finally sees the light
Q&A Mounib hamoud




Real estate voices
No alternative to Lebanon



Telecome & Post


The productivity of both mobile and landline sectors left a lot to be desired
The ongoing drama




Alfa's boss on the challenges of a new mobile era
Ineke Botter meeting the challenge




Telecom voices
Don’t call us…?