Several years ago a group of active members from the American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce established the Business Ethics and Transparency Committee, to shed light on the strong, positive correlation between achieving high levels of business growth or financial profitability and the prerequisite of adopting professional codes of conduct, ethics and transparency at all levels of personal and business activities.

Building upon the committee’s success, we recently created the Better Business Group to formally confirm our commitment to promote a unique ‘corporate culture’ by collaborating with a network of like-minded decision makers towards building a trustworthy business-friendly environment in Lebanon. Our aim is to form an alliance of professionals (individuals, corporations, and family-owned businesses) teamed together to create stronger national awareness about the importance of improving corporate performance by effectively adopting shared ideals and norms.

The following is an outline of these core values and concepts grouped as the Better Business Values and promoted by us along with other best business practices, and standards of excellence necessary to survive and grow in today’s competitive global economies:

Ethical Standards: We commit throughout our business dealings to comply with an established written code which promotes the highest ethical and professional conduct in accordance with exceptional legal standards and moral principles.

Equal Employment Opportunity: We will treat all employees equally and will not discriminate or tolerate abuse and/or harassment based on sex, origin, religion, political affiliation, or other attributes. We will value skills, education, dedication and merit, which are to be considered the basis for employee advancement.

Leadership Skills: We endeavor to lead by example, inspire businesses, and influence the behavior of other people toward group goals and the public’s interest. We promise to develop and enhance leadership skills among

employees and colleagues by empowering them and promoting team spirit.

Corporate Social Responsibility: We aim to impact positively our society through our core business activities, philanthropy, and volunteerism for the public good. We commit to safeguarding the environment and encourage employees and colleagues to contribute to and engage in the work of civil society for the promotion of human rights, peace, and justice for all members of our society.

Corporate Governance: We undertake to enhance corporate governance procedures towards all stakeholders and to report results with accuracy and transparency maintaining full compliance with laws and regulations. We commit to reciprocate the trust of the investors and the shareholders with full transparency, timely disclosure, honesty, and good faith. We endeavor to respond equally to majority and minority interests and to actively avoid situations of conflicting interests.

August 2010

3

5

8

2

Member News

U.S. Trade Fairs

CSR Lebanon Seminar

New MembersInside this issue

Continued on p. 5

Economist Conference6

Secretary Ray Lahood Lunch Debate

11

7 MENA Power 2010

Message From BBG Chairman, Fadi Saab

The Better Business Group and ... Our Better Business Values

12 Mark your calendar

Director Paola ChakhtouraAddress 1153 Foch Street Beirut Central DistrictP.O. Box 175093 Beirut, LebanonPhone/ Fax +961 1 985330-1Web www.amcham.org.lbE-mail info@amcham.org.lb

Board of Directors and Officers

Salim J. Zeenni PresidentMaher Y. Beydoun VP for Public RelationsArslan M. Sinno VP for MembershipRichard A. Haykel VP for International AffairsWalid T. Assaf TreasurerNadim Kassar Secretary GeneralJoe Asseily Board MemberCharles Nahhas Board MemberRabah Jaber Board MemberCarol Chammas Kareh Board MemberNadim Romanos Board MemberWalter Siouffi Board MemberFadi Moubarak Board MemberBarbara Batlouni Board MemberGaby Tamer Board MemberFady Khayat Board MemberPierre Debahy Board Member

American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce

New Members

2August 2010

Elias DoumetChairmanMatelec961 (9) 620920www.matelecgroup.com

Matelec operates in 3 divisions: 1-Industrial Division with the manufacturing of distribution and power transformers, medium voltage switchgears, low voltage switchboards, control and protection, and package prefabricated substations; 2- Engineering and Contracting Division with the design and execution of turnkey projects such as GIS and AIS VHV, HV and MV substations, cable pulling, industrial electrical solutions, and high voltage mobile substations; and 3- Power Generation Division which includes power generation projects. Matelec has a network of factories deployed in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, France and Algeria dedicated to regional markets. Matelec’s customers are public authorities and utilities in addition to a number of private customers in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Its Environmental, Health and Safety management system is certified ISO14001:2004 and OHSAS18001:2007. Its quality system is also certified ISO9001:2000.

Cheryl SteeleSenior AssociateBooz Allen Hamilton001 703-377-0052www.boozallen.com

Booz Allen Hamilton has been at the forefront of strategy and technology consulting for nearly a century. Today, the firm provides professional services primarily to U.S. government agencies in the defense, security, and civil sectors, as well as to corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Booz Allen offers clients deep functional knowledge spanning strategy and organization, technology, operations, and analytics - which it combines with specialized expertise in clients’ mission and domain areas to help solve their toughest problems.

Continued on p. 3

Samir TalebCEOWicom961 (1) 425333www.wicommea.com

Wicom is an information technology and telecom company, and a regional partner of several U.S. services and software companies in the Middle East and Africa region, providing them with sales, development, implementation, integration, and support of large scale solutions. Wicom provides technical consulting services mainly to regional wireless mobile operators.

Join AmChamContact info@amcham.org.lb to apply

!

Member News

3August 2010

Tania KosmosCountry ManagerG4S Lebanon961 (4) 404903www.lb.g4s.com

G4S Plc is a leading provider of security solutions, with a presence on six continents. G4S is listed on the London Stock Exchange (stock symbol: GFS) with a secondary listing in Copenhagen. With around 585,000 employees, G4S is the largest employer listed on the London Stock Exchange. Group 4 Security Services SAL and Group 4 Security Systems SAL are a joint venture between Safeco Invest Holdings Lebanon SAL and G4S Plc. Together they provide a wide variety of security and safety related services and solutions. Both are managed by and are a part of G4S Plc based in London. They offer a range of services/products that can be tailored to suit your requirements: Manned Services, Security Consultancy, Cash Services and a variety of Electronic Security Systems.

Khaled ChebaroGeneral ManagerK&N961 (1) 738574

Khaled A. S. Chebaro is a graduate of the American University of Beirut with a B.A. in Economics, and has been a private consultant in the real estate and financial sectors for over 17 years. He has been a sales representative with Energy Management Corporation USA to sell steam coal and petroleum coke, and is also a member of Soft Management S.A.L., Liberty Tower S.A.L., Arab Life Insurance S.A.L., and many other companies. Khaled Chebaro is now the General Manager of his company K&N.

In a launching reception held at Prodent’s premises under the patronage of H.E. Minister Gebran Bassil, represented by Project Manager of the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation Pierre Khoury, Prodent proudly announced the green evolution step undertaken to shift its IT infrastructure to solar power generation, designed and implemented by ECOsys.

The gathering to celebrate this fruitful collaboration uniting Prodent and ECOsys was attended by many guests of honor. This launching is in line with the initiative of the Ministry to encourage the introduction of renewable energy in the public and private sectors of Lebanon, as a green alternative solution to other means of power generation. Prodent wanted to implement a green solution providing continuous energy for its IT infrastructure, with a minimum of 9 hours of autonomy, cutting EDL and generator expenses, and ensuring system redundancy for security purposes.

The audience enjoyed learning about the benefits of this project, including a greener environment, cost-effectiveness, reduced diesel consumption, system reliability, extremely low maintenance needs, sustainable and long-term energy solutions and high return on investment. Prodent hopes that this initiative leads the way for other companies to begin shifting to greener solutions for the well-being of our country and planet.

Prodent Going Green

4August 2010

SETS Announces Launch of its HRMS Solution

SETS was pleased to announce the launch of its HRMS solution “People 365 4.0” on Microsoft. NET technology in an event held at the Movenpick Hotel on May 19. SETS has been in the software industry for 19 years and has accumulated 154 man years of experience in HRMS solutions. It developed and marketed its “Workforce 3.0” ERP solution since 1991, which is being used in 26 banks, 17 hospitals, 4 universities, 7 hotels and 278 other companies throughout the MENA region. “People 365 4.0” is the new version of “WorkForce 3.0.” It is the fruit of 20 years of HRMS experience, 25 resources, 2 years of solid design and development, and surely the leading edge in Microsoft .NET technology, integrating

tightly with Microsoft products: Office Outlook, Office SharePoint and Dynamics ERP, GP, Navision, Axapta and others. SETS Assistant General Manager Chadi Debs gave a briefing on the expansion and development, in terms of new alliances, such as the integration with Multimax Symmetry G4S, recruitment, regional expansion, and SETS’ new identity. Microsoft’s keynote remarks were offered by Country Manager Leila Serhan, who presented the value that Microsoft Dynamics offers with the “People 365” HRMS solution. The time, payroll & human resources streams were presented thoroughly. “People 365” will lay the ground for the future path of human capital management.

!The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CSR LEBANON L.L.C. to prepare a national report on the status and prospects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Lebanon. It seeks to define ways to develop CSR in Lebanon and engage CSR into company systems through long-term programs, while taking into account the interests of companies and the developmental, environmental and social needs of all citizens. In addition, the understanding plans to involve all sectors of the

Lebanese community – public, private, and civic – to develop an integrated national strategy. A representative from UNDP will be a member of the Steering Committee of the National Program for CSR in Lebanon, which also will include a number of economic and social figures, representatives of the executive and legislative authorities in Lebanon, and the civil society. UNDP and CSR LEBANON will cooperate to identify and support many CSR development projects in various fields.

CSR LEBANON and UNDP sign MOU

5August 2010

David-Imad Ramadan, of RAMA Legal and Expand to America, was appointed on July 1,

2010 by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell to a 4-year term on the Board of George Mason

University (GMU), in Fairfax, Virginia, USA. David is a graduate of GMU (BA ’93 & MA ’95)

and a former adjunct professor. GMU is the largest university in the Commonwealth of Virginia with

over 35,000 students.

David-Imad Ramadan Appointed Board Member of George Mason University

Continued from p. 1

Accountability and Transparency: We commit to enable internal controls that allow for proper exchange of information, effective internal auditing processes, and reliable external audits to provide comprehensive financial reporting and necessary disclosure.

Antitrust Adherence: We undertake to seek competitive advantage through lawful means, without stifling the free market or influencing competition to create a dominant or monopoly position.

Quality Standards and Consumer Protection: We undertake to act in good faith to protect consumers and their interests and to promote high quality standards in providing services and products.

Intellectual Property Rights: We endeavor to respect and comply with intellectual property laws and regulations throughout our business dealings. We undertake to raise awareness regarding Intellectual

Property Rights among employees and colleagues.

Lobbying and Advocacy: We encourage companies and individuals to participate in lobbying and advocacy that promote The Better Business Values for the benefit of the public at large.

COMMITMENT:

To succeed in ‘practicing what we preach’ AmCham urges all members to support our commitment to proactively comply with these shared values, to disseminate them publicly, to assist all stakeholders in adhering to these principles, and to partner with others to create an exemplary cluster of prominent supporters.

We invite you to contact us and become a member of the Better Business Group at AmCham and to actively support our Better Business Values for the benefit of individuals, corporations, and society at large.

US Trade Fairs

6August 2010

Continued on p. 7

The Economist Conference

Economist Conferences, which is part of The Economist Group, hosted a business roundtable with the support of AmCham Lebanon at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beirut on June 15 to discuss how Lebanon can take advantage of its home-grown talent and once again become a regional hub.

The event hosted Prime Minister Saad Hariri and senior ministers from the government of Lebanon, alongside business leaders and experts from The Economist Group, to engage in a debate on the critical issues affecting the economic and business outlook for Lebanon.

“To answer the main theme of this meeting, I have to say no: Lebanon cannot afford not to reform. We in this government are fully aware of this fact and we are determined to tackle the long standing challenges that have faced this economy,” Hariri said in his opening speech.

In his remarks Hariri explained that the Lebanese economy extends beyond the geographical borders of Lebanon. Many Lebanese companies operate throughout the world and they transfer profits, thereby raising capital inflows.

He added that reform cannot be done in one shot, but rather must occur in a step-by-step approach that is both pragmatic and realistic; and that the government is aware of the many previous attempts, and has taken note of the successes and failures. “We plan to build on the successes in order to render our economy more efficient,

vibrant and modern so that we can offer the Lebanese the quality of life that they aspire to and deserve,” Hariri concluded.

The event included several diverse discussion panels and generated productive dialogue with the Ministers of Trade, Finance, Energy and Water, and Telecommunications, as well as the Central Bank Governor and other prominent officials and business people.

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) forecasted that Lebanon’s economic growth will reach 5.6% in 2010 and 5.3% in 2011, driven by robust demand for Lebanon’s exports of goods and services, especially tourism. Although this forecast is lower than the growth experienced in 2007-09, it is still well above the long-term average in the post-civil war period. It is also higher than the forecast for MENA regional growth, which is expected to average 4.5% each year.

However, Lebanon’s growth potential is far higher. The country has strong human capital and many areas of the country are underdeveloped. At present, growth is concentrated in a few service sectors based around Beirut. If sufficient financing and investment were made available, and if investors were confident enough, a wider range of economic sectors in different regions of the country could grow strongly.

Lebanon Business Roundtable Discusses Business Outlook and Investment Climate

7August 2010

Continued from p. 6

Continued on p. 8

One of the key constraints is the uncertainty about the long-term political situation, especially in light of the political risks elsewhere in the region and continued unresolved conflicts. The country’s limited infrastructure – especially for electricity – could also place a ceiling on growth.

A third concern is the cost of financing; Lebanon’s banking sector has been successful in terms of its own growth and profitability, but its contribution to wider economic growth is limited. This situation looks unlikely to change as banks will continue to extend much of their domestic credit to the government. The Economist Intelligence Unit forecasts that the fiscal deficit will average 10% of GDP per year in 2010 and 2011, and will remain one of the major constraints on Lebanon’s growth.

The issues of the fiscal deficit, inadequate infrastructure for electricity and telecom-munications, the role of the banking sector, human capital, and Lebanon’s legal environment for doing business were all discussed throughout the interactive debate at this first Economist conference convened in Lebanon.

AmCham Lebanon and AmCham MENA were official supporters of the MENA POWER 2010: A Middle East and North Africa Technology and Projects Forum, sponsored by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). The forum took place at the Conrad Cairo Hotel in Cairo on May 24-26 in cooperation with the U.S. Commercial Service and U.S. State Department.

The MENA region’s demand for power is growing annually due to high population growth and energy intensive industrialization. As a result there is a need to build new power plants, increase the efficiency of existing plants and transmission and distribution systems, and diversify energy sources. These needs prompted the idea to convene a forum to match Middle East and North

Africa policy makers and project stakeholders in the electric power sector with U.S. providers of equipment and service solutions. More than 30 power projects were presented at the forum in areas such as gas-fired combined cycle, cogeneration, solar, wind, hydro, biomass, rural electrification, transmission and distribution upgrades and regional interconnection. The focus was on market opportunities in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Turkey, and the West Bank, and the gathering proved to be an effective tool for technology transfer in this field.

Participation in the forum surpassed expectations with around 275 attendees. Over 75 U.S. companies and 85 MENA companies

MENA Power 2010: A MENA Technology and Projects Forum

8August 2010

Continued from p.7

participated, along with official delegates and representatives from the U.S. and ten MENA countries. Speakers included Egyptian Electricity and Energy Minister Dr. Hassan Younes, Palestinian Energy and Natural Resources Authority Minister Omar Kittaneh, USTDA Director Leocadia Zak, U.S. Commercial Service Director General Suresh Kumar, U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Margaret Scobey, General Electric Energy Head of the Middle East and Africa Rami Qasem, and IFC Manager for Infrastructure Cluster Adil Marghub. Project delegates presented their ideas and held one-on-one meetings related to over $28 billion worth of power projects, thereby enabling U.S. company representatives to meet privately with attending MENA power project stakeholders and U.S. government officials.

The different panels throughout the day provided insight into such topics as electricity generation, transmission and distribution, smart grid technologies, renewable energy, financing options, and plans for regional electricity interconnection. The forum also provided networking opportunities to promote partnerships between U.S. and MENA companies, and strengthened strategic and commercial relationships between the power industries of the U.S. and MENA region.

Some of the highlights of the forum included USTDA’s signing of four grants with organizations in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan. “USTDA has long been involved with development projects in the MENA region, including support for over $75

million in activities during the past two decades. Our recent investments include support for a pilot project for solar energy in Jordan and a geothermal project to provide heating and cooling for a planned affordable housing development in the West Bank,” USTDA Director Leocadia Zak explained to the attendees.

“Two-way trade between the United States and the MENA region totaled over $127 billion in 2009, including $53 billion in U.S. exports. Our trade relationship with the region is buttressed by five bilateral free trade agreements, including with Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco, and Oman,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General Suresh Kumar said in his opening speech. “In Cairo, President Obama also described his personal connection to the Muslim world, and noted that the ‘dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores – and that includes nearly 7 million American Muslims.’ I share that connection, and I have also benefited from the American dream,” Kumar added.

Positive feedback from both the U.S. and MENA participants indicates that all found this gathering to be a valuable contribution to help the MENA region address current and emerging energy challenges. The forum proved to be highly beneficial, giving birth to new ventures and projects which will eventually help develop the region and create jobs and wealth.

9August 2010

Continued from p.8

In his opening remarks, CEO and Founder of CSR Lebanon Khaled Kassar welcomed the attendees and thanked strategic partners, such as AmCham Lebanon, and supporters of the event which helped to make it a success. “The concept of corporate social responsibility has been rapidly evolving for the last ten years, turning into advanced strategies based on standards and measurements adopted worldwide. CSR is not to be confused with charity, nor is it about expenditure. On the contrary, it’s a profitable investment,” stated Kassar.

The seminar was attended by AmCham members, influential Lebanese leaders from banks, businesses and government, Ambassadors and UNDP representatives who came to accelerate and support the concept of CSR. Amongst the supporters were Members of Parliament Tammam Salam, Jamal Al Jarrah, and Ghassan Moukheiber, Vice Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon Dr. Mohammad Baasiri, British Ambassador Frances Guy, and Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christensen.

A special message addressed to Lebanon from United Nations Global Compact Executive Director Georg Kell was displayed, in which Kell remarked that, “CSR has recently grown exceptionally and is an essential investment for business worldwide, including the Middle East region.” He then invited Lebanese companies to join the UN Global Compact which is a “strategic policy initiative for businesses that are committed to aligning the operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles and to take action in support of UN goals including the Millennium Development Goals.”

Guest speaker Nick Hartmann, the UNDP Lebanon Deputy Resident Representative, noted

that while Lebanon has a long-established and dynamic private sector, “CSR in Lebanon has not been yet a subject of comprehensive national strategy such as those we speak of today. It has not been a genuine public commitment of an organization either.” He also declared that the UNDP in Lebanon recognizes the need to move the CSR agenda at a national level and work towards the development of a national CSR strategy, adding that “CSR LEBANON has expressed its commitment to the advancement of CSR in Lebanon and, with UNDP, has agreed to actively pursue advocacy and support the promotion of CSR.”

In his keynote speech Dr. Mohammad Baasiri of the Central Bank of Lebanon urged companies to embed CSR within their businesses, reaffirming that doing so would “help in reducing costs, increasing profits and encouraging shareholders’ stability, employees’ loyalty and finding new opportunities for long-term financing at lower interest rates. It will also improve the reputation of brands within the society and the media.”

To examine more fully the importance of CSR, leaders of business associations and NGOs and CSR experts discussed different perceptions and practices of CSR and the issues involved when corporations interact with stakeholders in society.

Continued on p.10

AmCham partners with CSR LEBANON: Awareness Seminar on CSR

The American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce partnered with CSR Lebanon to organize the first awareness conference on corporate social responsibility (CSR), entitled, CSR: An Investment or a Cost?, under the patronage of H.E. Governor of the Central Bank Riad Salame. The conference took place on May 18 at the Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel and aimed to raise awareness on the importance of building a CSR strategy and to highlight the meaning and benefits of CSR in companies.

10August 2010

Continued from p.9The session titled, “What is CSR: Philanthropy or a Must?,” was introduced by Dr. Dima Jamali, Associate Professor of Management at the American University of Beirut. Jamali discussed the drivers and evolution of CSR, in addition to the different CSR definitions and conceptualizations. Her presentation, “What is CSR: Definition and Strategic Importance,” focused on the concepts of ”Triple Bottom Line” and ”Corporate Citizenship,” in addition to examples and case studies from companies and multinationals around the world.

Afterwards, Cisco Director of Corporate Affairs George Akiki addressed how critical corporate social responsibility is to Cisco’s sustained business growth. “CSR helps us grow and prosper by building trusting relationships, creating educated and talented people and building healthy, productive communities in which we can thrive as employer and business partner.” With that, Akiki indicated that it is through CSR initiatives like the “Partnership for Lebanon” that multinationals demonstrate long-term commitment to global communities – think global, act local – adding that today’s top talent actively seeks a company that is a good citizen.

As for guest speaker Wafa Tarnowska, Regional Manager for CSR and Arab Initiatives at DLA Piper, she focused on the significance of CSR in general and for DLA Piper in particular. She stated that social responsibility is no longer associated with just environmental issues, but has become a big part of corporate strategy which is practiced on a day-to-day basis. It benefits the company’s reputation, productivity, managers and employees, as well as clients and stakeholders.

A second session focused on “CSR: An Investment or a Cost?” Kafalat Chairman and General Manager Dr. Khater Abi Habib addressed the audience on “CSR in Lebanon: Origin and Evolution.”

Dr. Salah Bouraad, founder and CEO of SEGENIUS and Amour et Partage, then presented “Governance and CSR: Key for Success” where he stressed that humanity should come first, and companies should incorporate CSR into their core as a base for their vision and principles.

Head of Missions of Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) Frances Stephan spoke about the Equator Principles in his presentation, titled “CSR Policies for the Banking Sector,” and explained the meaning and evolution of CSR and its significance to the banking sector. He also described the objectives and role of AFD towards financial institutions and the impact of CSR on banks’ risks.

CSR expert Fabian Pattberg, founder of Sustainability Forum UK, discussed the importance of CSR and how it would be beneficial to companies in Lebanon, focusing on the subject behind his presentation, “Why is CSR Reporting Essential for Banks?”

Last but not least, “Success Stories in Lebanon” was presented by two speakers, Fadi Riachi, CEO of Bridges–Josour and Ramzi Saade, Director of Operations of Institut European de Cooperation et de Developpement (IECD). Riachi gave an example of how targeted needs can coincide with corporate business expansion priorities. As for Saade, he discussed CSR from a humanitarian perspective, and how it can be fulfilling both personally and career-wise, giving examples of the social initiatives he supports, as well as those that IECD has supported and funded.

The wealth of expertise and knowledge shared at this seminar by both speakers and the business leaders in attendance helped to ensure that this forum would have an impact on creating better awareness about the growing importance of CSR.

11August 2010

AmCham Hosts U.S Secretary of Transportation Ray Lahood

Continued on p.12

AmCham Lebanon organized a roundtable lunch on July 3 at Le Maillon restaurant in honor of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray Lahood, the only Arab-American member of President Barack Obama’s Cabinet. AmCham board members and heads of economic organizations attended the lunch and debated various national, regional, and international issues, as well as bilateral relations between the United States and Lebanon and possible cooperation in the field of transportation. Attendees raised their concerns and listened to Lahood’s advice and opinions regarding solutions to some of Lebanon’s transportation problems.

President of AmCham Lebanon Salim Zeenni offered AmCham’s support and expressed its commitment to advancing relations with the United States.

This event occurred during Secretary Lahood’s three-day visit to Lebanon which aimed to develop relations and friendship between the U.S. and Lebanon. Lahood met with President Michel Sleiman on Friday and Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Speaker Nabih Berri on Saturday.

Lahood also discussed cooperation on transportation and road safety during his meetings with the Lebanese Ministers of Transportation and Interior. He advised the government on how to optimize public-private partnerships, such as the possibility of foreign engineering firms specialized in high-speed rail collaborating with the government on joint infrastructure building projects. Moreover, he spoke of public awareness campaigns in Lebanon and the U.S. that educate drivers about the dangers of reckless and drunk driving, as well as texting while driving.

Lahood recommended implementing several programs – already in use in the U.S. – which contribute to saving thousands of lives. He also suggested bringing experts from the U.S. to Lebanon to meet with officials handling road safety and transportation to discuss their success stories and methods used for safer driving. He strongly believes that what has been implemented in the U.S. can easily be implemented in Lebanon. He also mentioned U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) grants to Lebanon and U.S. efforts to

The Lebanon Business and Investment Summit 201027 & 28 SEPTEMBER 2010 Beirut, Lebanon- Mövenpick Hotel & Resort

A key investment destination in the Middle East for private sector players and financiers

SponsorCo-organizer Main Sponsor

For further information and registration:Vanessa Meys | Brussels Office: Tel +32 2 733 5940 – email: vmeys@euroconvention.com, Claudio Cassuto | London Office: Tel +44 20 7381 9291 – email: cassuto@euroconvention.comMartin Remias | Bratislava Office: Tel +421 257 272 855 – email: mremias@euroconvention.com, Or visit: http://www.euroconvention.com

12August 2010

Continued from p. 11help develop the transportation sector here. Lahood stated that a high-speed national rail network would be a solution to Lebanon’s enduring congestion crisis, and noted that it is the same plan that President Barack Obama wishes to implement in the United States and which has already been allocated $8 billion.

After finishing his meetings with Lebanese officials, Secretary Lahood noted that every time he comes to visit Lebanon - he has done that more than twelve times - he feels like he is coming back home. “I think that Lebanon is a very, very strong friend of the United States and it represents the kind of friendship that the U.S. really cherishes,” Lahood told the press before ending his visit to Lebanon.

Mark your calendar

MENA Healthcare InfrastructureInvestment & Finance Summit 201027 & 28 OCTOBER 2010, Cairo, Egypt

Euroconvention Conferences and The American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce are pleased to invite you to the forthcoming MENA Healthcare Infrastructure Investment & Finance Summit 2010, scheduled to take place in Cairo, October 27-28, 2010.

Having considered recent trends in the region, the Summit will bring together inter-ested companies, financial institutions and government representatives with finance-able healthcare projects in the MENA coun-tries and will explore the critical issues for successful development and structuring of public-private partnerships (PPP) and private equity healthcare infrastructure investments across the region.

The 200+ expected audience will consist of leading European, US and Middle East-based companies; large SMEs; technology-based companies, facility designers and constructors; trade financiers, investment officers, private equity investors, financial

officers, legal firms, consulting and engineering companies, insurers, export credit agencies, multilateral institutions, financial institutions and PPP practitioners; central, regional and local Government Officials, etc.

Please follow this link for the full agenda. Exclusive Discount for the Members of American-Lebanese Chamber of Com-merce: AmCham members are entitled to an exclusive discount as they register to attend this Summit, by quoting “MEN20AMCHAM” on their registration form, available here.

AmCham Member rate: 1,399 EUREarly bird rate: 1,599 EURRegular rate: 2,099 EUR

Key speakers include:

Khalifeh Mhammad Jawad, Minister of Health, Lebanon Hanif Hassan Ali, Minister of Health, United Arab EmiratesFaleh Hussein Ali, Assistant Secretary General for Policy Affairs, Qatar Supreme Council of Health

Moazzam Mekan, Manager, PPP Transaction Advisory Services, International Finance Corporation, UAEAkiko Maeda, Manager for Health, Nutrition and Population Health, Human Development Department, Middle East & North Africa Region, The World Bank, USAJohn Moran, Managing Director, Investment Development and Coordination, OPIC, USANajeeb Al-Shorbaji, Director, Department of Knowledge Manage-ment and Sharing, World Health Organization, SwitzerlandJilali Hazim, Department of Planning and Financial Resources, Ministry of Health, MoroccoRania Zayed, Chief of Public-Private Partnership Central Unit, Ministry of Finance, EgyptSalah-Eddine Kandri,Sector Lead, Middle East & North Africa, Health & Education Department, IFCKatharina Kummer Peiry, Executive Secretary, Secretariat of the Basel Convention, United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP

London: Claudio Cassuto | Tel: +44 20 7381 9291 | eMail: cassuto@euroconvention.comBrussels: Erika Patho | Tel: +32 2 733 5940 | eMail: epatho@euroconvention.com

For further information about exhibitor or sponsor opportunities, or registration details, you are welcome to contact us:

Bratislava: Roland Cura | Tel: +421 257 272856 | eMail: rcura@euroconvention.comBrussels: Vanessa Meys | Tel: +32 2 733 5940 | eMail: vmeys@euroconvention.com

We look forward to discuss further your participation to this Summit. www.euroconvention.com

13August 2010

What Products or Services Can You Offer Fellow AmCham Members in 2010?

Send your proposal to info@amcham.org.lb and begin to interact!

Your offer should include any specific details, and will be uploaded on the AmCham Lebanon website (www.amcham.org.lb) and on the AmCham MENA Council website (www.amchammena.org) for all other AmCham members to view and benefit from. We will publish a list of these offers in our newsletter for further exposure.