Forum Oil & Gas 2016 - Booklet

THE OIL & GAS FORUM:LEBANON O&G POSITION

IN THE ACTUAL GEOPOLITICAL DEVELOPMENT SCENE

THURSDAY MAY 26, 2016 ESA, VILLA ROSE, CLEMENCEAU

What are the main lessons that Lebanon could draw on while taking into account the recent geopolitical and economic developments

locally, regionally and internationally?

About Lebanon's National Wealth Initiative

Recent discoveries of Oil & Gas in the Eastern Mediterranean region have the potential to transform the economies of three neighboring countries, namely Lebanon, Israel and Cyprus. Our Country is in the early stages of building an Oil & Gas sector and is still far from drilling the first exploration wells.

Although many reliable studies proved that trillions of cubic feet of gas amount to the wealth which our seawater hides underneath, Lebanon has so far been officially unable to estimate how much Oil & Gas this country might have.

With no border agreement so far with Israel, and with the political deadlock situation that is prevailing in our country and is preventing the government from launching its first offshore Oil & Gas licensing round, our rights as a future oil-producing country are not respected or are ill-managed.

Lebanese citizens have to protect their rights to benefit from the prospective

WELCOME NOTEDear Friends,

On behalf of Front Page communication, I am delighted to welcome you to the 3rd edition of the Oil & Gas Forum.

Three years ago, through various initiatives, the Lebanese general public was exposed to the realities, intricacies and conflicts facing the Oil and Gas wealth that God bestowed on us. So we established a public information platform to address all these concerns and provide a vision that will lay the ground for realistic and pragmatic solutions.

In 2014, and with an initiative of Mr. Makhzoumi’s Forum For National Dialogue (FFND), we joined efforts and launched the first Oil & Gas Forum entitled “Lebanon’s National Wealth Forum". It was the beginning of a much bigger venture. What started as a basic platform of information outlining the overall situation, grew to become a milestone, which highlights the need to relentlessly seek avenues and solutions that will benefit the industry.

By doing so, the initiative also contributes to the development of the nation’s economy, through the creation of countless job opportunities, as well as investments potential.

A year later, we deployed a successful series of debates in several universities around the country, like ESIB and the Lebanese University. The main topic revolved around enlightening the Lebanese audience, especially university students about the importance and need to explore the possibilities and encourage them to enroll in Oil and Gas courses. As the generations of the future, they are the future of the nation. They need to be aware of their role, and stay abreast and prepared for the challenges ahead.

I take the opportunity to thank all the universities who initiated this course, and we are proud to confirm that many students graduated in the field with Masters Degrees. Human resources in that particular field constitute a primary asset of the future of Lebanon.

economic growth associated with the production of their national Oil & Gas resources.

For this, The Lebanese Government created the Lebanon Petroleum Authority, and toward the same endeavor “Front Page Communication” and “Forum For National Dialogue” started the “Lebanon’s National Wealth” initiative to provide the media, the academic youth, the civil society, the economic and financial sectors with dialogue platforms around this wealth, while involving local and international experts and key players in the field.

Lebanon’s National Wealth organized in 2014 the first Forum on Oil & Gas, and that successful event was followed by a series of conferences in key Lebanese universities. This third forum is scheduled for May 26 at ESA, Villa Rose.

We invite you to follow the organization of our future events on our web site and social media pages (www.lebanonnationalwealth.org).

That same year, on June 8 precisely, we moved into a more advanced position with the second edition of the Oil&Gas Forum entitled “Governance and Integration”.

This year, still with the FFND partnership, and the commitment of high profile partners, we pursued the effort of reaching out to universities and successfully organized two more debates at Sagesse and Haigazian universities. We are engaged to carry on and focus on more universities.

Today, we are launching the 3rd edition of the Forum, at the same prestigious location of ESA. Debating Lebanon’s Oil and Gas position under the prevailing geopolitical development scene, this year’s Forum provides an in-depth overview at the challenging fast-paced and volatile situation of the region, and the collapse of the oil and gas prices since June 2014.

This year’s forum is fully broadcast live exclusively on LBCI. Another innovation this year also, is the Live Streaming of the event worldwide over the Internet and a mobile app by Hipernation. We also have among us the International media, and we thank Al-Monitor, the Forum’s online partner, Bloomberg, France 24, Sky News, in addition to the local and regional media and everyone who is helping to make this Forum an international event.

We are proud and honored to have among us esteemed personalities from the USA, Russia, Montenegro, France, Italy, Malaysia and Lebanon, as well as Total, Engie, Eni, Dauphine University, as well as from the banking industry. It is also with great honor that we welcome their Excellencies, the ambassadors present here today, and our distinguished speakers. Your support gives a substantial boost to this important matter.

Last but not least, I want to express my appreciation for all our partners, wherever they are, and the charismatic audience we have here today. Thank you to each and everyone who has helped and is currently helping turn the Forum into an International event.

LEBANON O&G POSITION IN THE ACTUAL GEOPOLITICALDEVELOPMENT SCENEAT E.S.A. (VILLA ROSE) – BEIRUT / LEBANON, May 26, 2016

Theme: What are the main lessons that Lebanon could draw on while taking into account the recent geopolitical and economic developments locally, regionally and internationally?

08:15 – 08:55GET-TOGETHER & REGISTRATION

NATIONAL ANTHEM

09:00 - 09:05ESA HOST WELCOMEMr. Stéphane Attali

09:05 – 09:15OIL & GAS FORUM INTRODUCTIONMr. Mustapha Assad

09:15 – 09:25OVERVIEWS Mr. Fouad Makhzoumi

09:25 – 09:35SETTING THE SCENE: OPENING NOTESH.E. Mr. Arthur Nazarian

09:40 – 10:15KEYNOTE SPEAKER“International Geopolitical Scene”Mr. Amos Hochstein

Q/A

10:15 – 11:15 SESSION 1 “REGIONAL UPDATE ON THE OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT IN THE EAST MED & EUROPE”Speakers: H.E. Mr. Lapo Pistelli, Mr. Elias Kassis, Mr. Wissam ZahabiModerator: Dr. Marwan Iskandar

11:15 – 11:45 COFFEE BREAK

11:45 – 12:45 SESSION 2 “REGIONAL UPDATE ON THE OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT IN THE EAST MED & EUROPE”Speakers: H.E. Mr. Vladan Dubljevic, Mr. Denis Simonneau, H. E. Mr. Gissa GuchetlModerator: Dr. Nasser Hoteit

Q/A

Lebanon:• Update on the Lebanese upstream

petroleum Sector.• Understanding good governance and

contractual frameworks in Lebanon’s nascent oil and gas sector.

• What are the transparency measures adopted in Lebanon’s petroleum sector?

• Lebanon advantages in attracting IOCs.• Do low oil prices deter IOCs from

investing in Lebanon? And if so, what could incentivize IOCs to still be interested in Lebanon’s offshore?

East Med:• Update and latest developments in Cyprus.• Global overview on the recent oil and

gas developments in the East Med.• New discoveries and future plans.• Overview on the regulatory frameworks

adopted by East Med countries.

Europe:• Overview on Montenegro’s recent

offshore developments (legal and financial frameworks, exploration and production bid round status…).

• What does the E.U. energy strategy emphasize on and how can Lebanon leverage on such opportunities?

• Lessons from the Euro-Med gas platform.

12:45 – 13:30 SESSION 3 “FINANCING O&G PROJECTS IN THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT”Speakers: H.E. Dr. Georges Corm, Mr. Francois KayatModerator: Dr. Toufic Gaspard

Q/A

13:30 – 14:30 LUNCH MEETING SESSION 1 & 2 SESSIONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

14:30 – 15:25 SESSION 4“EFFECTS OF LOW OIL AND GAS PRICES ON PETROLEUM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES”Speakers: Mr. Jean-Baptiste Dubreuil, Dr. Carole Nakhle, Mr. Fouad Makhzoumi, Prof. Patrice GeoffronModerator: Mr. Jean Paul Sabbagh

Q/A

• What are the main economic drivers behind the oil price slump? (Market over supplied, Iran new entry on the market, shale oil and gas…) What could be the potential impacts of lifting Iran’s sanctions on global oil and gas prices? - (geopolitical and financial impacts on the region, and on Lebanon in particular, with an emphasis on potential impacts on the gas markets).

• How did low oil and gas prices affect the oil and gas industry so far (exploration activities, production, human capital…)?

• How low oil and gas prices affect IOCs on one hand and service companies on the other?

• Do low oil prices deter IOCs from investing in Lebanon? And if so, what could incentivize IOCs to still be interested in Lebanon’s offshore?

THE OIL & GAS FORUM:15:25 – 16:20 SESSION 5 “GOOD GOVERNANCE IN EMERGING PRODUCERS: CHALLENGES AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS”Speakers: Dr. Valerie Marcel, Mr. Imad Makhzoumi, Dr. Nathalie NajjarModerator: Mr. Rayan Kouatly

Q/A

• The Dispute Resolution Clause: Key factor for the Efficiency of Oil & Gas Contracts.

• Attracting the most qualified investor in the long run.

• Maximize the economic returns to the state through licensing.

• Earn and retain public trust and manage public expectations.

• Increase local content and benefits to the broader economy.

• Build capable national organizations to participate in and oversee the development of the resources.

• Increase accountability.

16:20 – 16:50 COFFEE BREAKMEETING SESSION 3 & 4 SESSIONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

17:15 – 17:55 SESSION 6“RECOMMENDATIONS TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE SECTOR IN LEBANON”

• What is the opportunity cost that Lebanon is baring or could bare following a political deadlock or a stagnation in its prospective oil and gas sector?

• Given the above geopolitical and economic contexts what are the lessons that Lebanon could draw on to optimize its position in being an attractive terrain for oil and gas investments?

• How could Lebanon mitigate geopolitical and economic risks in order to proceed successfully with its sector?

17:55 – 18:00Closing: Mr. Camille Menassa

trust-based engagement and does so by building and sustaining awareness, credibility, trust, goodwill and loyalty.

The media landscape is changing dramatically. People share information online, and newsrooms and the general public have now the resources to dig deep and cover stories. This new information revolution opens up amazing digital opportunities to take full advantage of.

Front Page Communication is also staffed with an experienced mainstream and digital teams that can help people and brands take advantage of these new avenues of content creation and Image Building.

ABOUT FRONT PAGE COMMUNICATION

Front Page Communication is an independent strategic communication agency that plans and delivers communication, public relations, and digital PR strategies, by establishing an integrated brand experience through a holistic synergy.

Front Page Communication was established by co-founders Camille Menassa and Mustapha Assad, both pioneers and leaders respectively in the Journalism, Media, Advertising and Public Relations.

Front Page Communication is in the relationships business. It devise strategies that create

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• FRONT PAGE COMMUNICATION• FORUM FOR NATIONAL DIALOGUE

ORGANIZERS:

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FORUM FOR NATIONAL DIALOGUEForum for National Dialogue / A Makhzoumi Initiative was established in late 2013 as a nonpolitical, non-profit society under official advice No. 2219 dated 4th December 2013.

FFND AIMS AT:Firstly: Encouraging dialogue among the Lebanese citizens.

Secondly: Contributing to the preparation of strategic studies and research papers, and communicating with the decision-makers for discussions there-about, in addition to setting up and conducting training programs, workshops, round tables, forums and conferences, holding lectures, activities and promoting dialogue in economy, social, cultural, science and education.

Thirdly: Contributing to the hosting of lecturers and analysts and other pundits concerned with political and strategic issues, be they local, regional, or international,

in addition to holding and sponsoring local, regional and international conferences.

Fourthly: Cooperating with the civil society organizations and civil institutions which share FFND’s objectives in full or in part.

The key projects which FFND started to implement since 2014 are:• “Oil & Gas: Lebanon’s National Wealth

Forum” May 2014• “Oil & Gas” Conferences ESIB and Lebanese University 2015• “Oil & Gas: Lebanon’s National Wealth

Forum” June 2015• The Dialogue of Alphabets which is an

initiative unique in nature innovated by FFND for the purpose of reinforcing the dialogue among various cultures of the world, with Beirut as its base and its timeframe of execution falling prior to the year’s end.

• “The Positive Economy” initiatives• etc.

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FUTURE PIPE INDUSTRIESFounded in 1984 in Dubai UAE, Future Pipe Industries (FPI) has rapidly grown to become a global leader in anti-corrosive fiberglass pipe system design and manufacturing.

With the largest product portfolio of large diameter, high pressure, high-temperature, fiberglass pipe systems, FPI is the only company in the world that provides bespoke solutions across the three product segments; Water, O&G and Industrial.

Managing a unique global delivery model, driven by engineering excellence, and committed to customer needs, FPI’s Vision is to deliver water and energy to the world in the most efficient way.

With the world large diameter pipe demand projected to exceed USD 150 billion, FPI has already a focused dominant global footprint with a presence throughout the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America and Asia. The company employs an extensive global network, operating 13 factories in UAE, Oman, Qatar, Egypt, KSA, Lebanon, USA, The Netherlands, Spain and India and 20 offices in 16 countries including Lebanon, UK, France, Singapore and Pakistan, mobilizing over 3,500 members of staff around the world including.

FPI facilities are state of the art. With advanced manufacturing, testing and process control systems spread over 700,000 square meters FPI operates 49 product lines and with more than 60,000 kilometers installed worldwide, FPI serves

more than 300 international major O&G operators, municipal authorities and industrial facilities. FPI has produced enough pipes to circle the globe more than 4 times.

As the leading global integrated solution provider in the large diameter anti-corrosive fiberglass pipe market, FPI has gained stellar reputation in offering quality and reliable bespoke fiberglass pipe solutions, through design and engineering, manufacturing and in-house testing to installation and onsite training and supervision.

All FPI products are manufactured in accordance with stringent customer specifications and the most demanding international standards, using the latest technology, FPI offers the largest and most versatile large diameter fiberglass pipe product range in the market today. With diameters ranging from 12mm up to 4,000 mm, with an ability to withstand immense pressures of up to 3,000 PSI, FPI’s fiberglass composite non-corrosive pipe systems can transport water, oil, gas and petrochemicals including H2S.

FPI’s promise of excellence has led to an impressive list of accreditations and certifications by major independent international bodies in the fields of safety, quality and environmental protection. FPI was the first manufacturing company in the Middle East to be awarded the service quality certification Kitemark accreditation which is most frequently used to identify products where safetyis paramount.

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• MR. FRANÇOIS KAYAT,Associé-Gérant – LAZARD

• DR. TOUFIC GASPARD,Economic consultant to multilateral organizations, governments, and the private sector

• MR. JEAN-BAPTISTE DUBREUIL,Chief Analyst, Strategy, Energy Economics and Risk advisory (SEER), Center of Expertise in Economic and Modelling Studies (CEEME), Strategy Division, Engie

• DR. CAROLE NAKHLE,Director of Crystol Energy

• MR. FOUAD MAKHZOUMI,President of Forum of National Dialogue

• PROF. PATRICE GEOFFRON,Professor of Economics - Université Paris Dauphine, Director Center of Energy Economics (CGEMP)

• MR. JEAN PAUL SABBAGH,Lecturer at Sciences-Po, Paris

• DR. VALERIE MARCEL,Associate Fellow at the London-based think tank Chatham House and a consultant to KPMG's Global NOC Team

• MR. IMAD MAKHZOUMI,Executive Vice President,Member of the Board, Future Pipe Group

• DR. NATHALIE NAJJAR,Docteur en droit, Avocat à la Cour, Chargée de cours à la Faculté de droit de l'Université Saint Joseph, et à l'Université Paris II, Panthéon-Assas, Présidente de la Commission d'arbitrage, Chambre de commerce internationale - Liban

• MR. RYAN KOUATLY,Managing Partner, Kouatly & Associates Attorneys

• MR. CAMILLE MENASSA,Chairman Front Page Communication

• MR. STÉPHANE ATTALI,Director General of ESA

• MR. MUSTAPHA ASSAD,CEO Front Page Communication

• MR. FOUAD MAKHZOUMI,President of Forum of National Dialogue

• H.E. MR. ARTHUR NAZARIAN,Minister of Energy & Water

• MR. AMOS HOCHSTEIN,Special Envoy & Coordinator for International Energy Affairs at U.S. Department of State

• H.E. MR LAPO PISTELLI,Senior Vice President for International Business for Middle East and Africa, ENI

• MR. ELIAS KASSIS,Vice President North Africa, Exploration & Production MENA, TOTAL, France

• MR. WISSAM ZAHABI,Chairman of the Board of Directors - Lebanese Petroleum Administration

• DR. MARWAN ISKANDAR,Vice Chairman of Pharaon and Chiha Bank SAL

• H.E. MR. VLADAN DUBLJEVIC,Deputy Minister for Mining and Geological Research, Ministry of Economy, Montenegro

• MR. DENIS SIMONNEAU,Member of the Executive Committee in charge of European and International Relations - Engie

• H.E. MR. GISSA GUCHETL,Executive Director, Russian Union of Gas and Oil Industrialists

• DR. NASSER HOTEIT,Lebanese Petroleum Administration

• H.E. DR. GEORGES CORM,Lebanese Economist - Former Minister of Finance

SPEAKERS:

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MR. STÉPHANE ATTALIStéphane Attali graduated from Paris Dauphine University and Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po). After starting his professional career in the private sector in a consulting firm in Paris, he joined the International Department of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris (CCIP) in 1999. From 2002 to 2007, He was posted to Beirut at the Ecole Supérieure des Affaires (ESA), Business school created by Lebanese and French governments and managed by the CCIP. He has been in charge of the development of academical programs as for as programs for ESA Executive Education. Then he joined ESCP Europe, Graduate School of Management of the CCIP as Deputy Managing Director in charge of general affairs.

In January 2009, Stéphane Attali was appointed Dean-Director General of the Ecole Supérieure des Affaires (ESA) in Beirut.

Stéphane Attali is also the chairman of the MEREF (Movement of French Enterprises and Economic representations in Lebanon) established in 2008 at the initiative of French and Lebanese companies directors, with the support of the Economic Mission of the French Embassy in Lebanon. The MEREF currently has over one hundred members and regularly hosts various meetings and events in Lebanon.

MR. MUSTAPHA ASSADMustapha Assad managed the Pharaon the pioneering advertising agency in the Arab World (1968-69), headed advertising department of Al Usbu Al Arabi and Magazine for four years. In 1973 he became the majority partner in the PUBLI-GRAPHICS agency. Agency grew to 27 operation throughout the region Amman, Bahrain, Beirut, Cairo, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul Jeddah, Kuwait, Riyadh and Tehran as well as the specialized communication divisions, Headline PR (Public Relations and Sponsorships), Optimedia Media Agencies, Dialog (Below the Line), Eworks (Electronic and Digital) and PG events Division.

In 1999, Publicis Group the 4th largest communication group in the world, entered into an equity partnership with Publi-Graphics Group, the agency was known as PUBLICIS GRAPHICS.

Mustapha Assad has been an active and dedicated player in the IAA, Board Director since 1984, President of the Lebanon Chapter from 1984-86, Senior Vice-President/World President Elect from 1990-1992 and World President of the International Advertising Association

(IAA) in September 1992 at the 33rd World Advertising Congress in Barcelona.

He ended his term at the World Congress in Cancun May 94, at which time he was appointed Chairman of the newly formed “Former World Presidents Council”. He was awarded the IAA Medal of Merit in 1986, as well as many other awards.

In June 2012, stepped down from Publicis Graphics Group. In 2014, Mustapha Assad became the Chief Executive Officer of the PR Agency “Front Page Communication”. Mustapha Assad is Officer in the “National Order of the Lion” (Senegal) and Officer in the “National Order of the Cedar” (Lebanon).

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H.E. MR. ARTHUR NAZARIANArthur Nazarian, the actual Minister of Energy and Water is born in 1951 in Beyrouth. He graduated from an American University to become a textile engineer in 1973. He then worked in trade and industry and he owns several companies in the Gulf.

In 1998 he was appointed Minister of Tourism and Environment in the government of Prime Minister Selim Hoss until 2000 (first government of President Lahoud).

Mr. Nazarian was elected deputy in 2009 as a candidate of the Tashnag party in Beirut for one of the Armenian Orthodox seats. He is a member of the Armenian General Benevolent Union.

MR. FOUAD MAKHZOUMIFouad Makhzoumi is a chemical engineer, industrialist, businessman, editorialist, philanthropist and politician. He is the Chairman of “Future Group Holdings” (Luxembourg) and “Future Pipe Group” (Dubai). He is also the Chairman of the “National Dialogue Party” and the “Forum for National Dialogue” (Lebanon) and the Founder and Honorary Chairman of the “Makhzoumi Foundation” (Lebanon). Mr. Makhzoumi is also a member of the boards of a number of international institutes and strategy centers, such as the International Board of the Council on Foreign Relations “U.S./Middle East Project”; the “Arab Reform Initiative” (ARI); and the “de Gasperi Foundation”.

He has set up the “Rami Makhzoumi Chair in Corporate Governance” at the American University of Beirut; yearly

awards for “Leadership and Excellence” at the International College in Beirut and the “Makhzoumi Lebanese Studies Endowment” at the University of Alberta, Canada. Mr. Makhzoumi is a Commander of the Italian Republic Order of Merit and the awardee of a multitude of international trophies and awards. He is a global lecturer in politics and economics.

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NOTES

MR. AMOS J HOCHSTEINAmos J Hochstein currently serves as the Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs leading the Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) at the U.S. Department of State. He oversees U.S. foreign policy engagement in the critical intersection of energy and national security. In this role, he advises the Secretary on global energy security and diplomacy, as well as promotes U.S. interests to ensure energy resources are used to increase economic opportunity, stability and prosperity around the world.

Special Envoy Hochstein also advises the Secretary on U.S. strategy to advance global integration of renewable and clean energy sources. Prior to this role, Mr. Hochstein served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Diplomacy and in that capacity oversaw the Office of Middle East & Asia and the Office of Europe, the Western Hemisphere & Africa where he lead the bureau’s energy diplomacy efforts. Prior to joining the State Department, Mr. Hochstein spent more than 15 years advising U.S. elected officials, candidates for public office and thought leaders on domestic and global energy policy initiatives.

He began his career in Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill where he served in a variety of senior level positions, ultimately serving as the Senior Policy Advisor to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. Mr. Hochstein first served as the principal Democratic

staff person on the Economic Policy, Trade & Environment Subcommittee where he oversaw work authorizing Ex-Im Bank, OPIC and USTDA, as well as drafting legislation on export controls and trade-related multilateral organizations and regimes. Mr. Hochstein served as Policy Director to Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT). Prior to his work with Sen. Dodd, he worked as a Senior Policy Advisor to Senator (then Governor) Mark Warner (D-VA). Harnessing his experience in the policy, campaign and public sector, Mr. Hochstein moved to the private sector as Executive Vice President of International Operations at Cassidy & Associates. Throughout his career, he has been a counselor for both domestic and international oil and gas companies, as well as companies focusing on renewable energy. In this capacity, he assisted corporations in assessing potential new markets and the development of alternative sources of power and best strategies to bring them to market.

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NOTES NOTES

24 25

REGIONAL UPDATE ON THE OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT IN THE EAST MED & EUROPELebanon• Update on the Lebanese upstream






East Med• Update and latest developments in

Cyprus.• Global overview on the recent oil and



Europe• Overview on Montenegro’s recent

offshore developments (legal and financial frameworks, exploration and production bid round status…) .



Session 01

H.E. MR. LAPO PISTELLILapo Pistelli, 51 years, Senior Vice President at Eni for Strategic Analysis and Business Development, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Member of Parliament (1996-2015).

He has visited many different countries in different capacities (monitoring elections, giving lectures, networking with leaders of progressive parties). He cooperates with various progressive think tanks in Europe and in the US.

Pistelli earned a Master in Political Science in Florence and he is there visiting professor at the Bing Overseas Studies of Stanford University.

He publishes regularly on issues related to European and international affairs.

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MR. ELIAS KASSISElias Kassis was appointed Vice President, North Africa in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) division of Total Exploration & Production in September 2015.

Before that, he served as Managing Director of the Total E&P affiliates in Yemen, Malaysia and Iraq. Prior to that, he was Vice President in the Total E&P Middle East division, and Vice President, Venezuela in Total E&P Americas Division, as well as assignments in Venezuela and Qatar.

Between 1991, date when he joined Total, and 2002 he has held various positions in the Trading and Gas & Power divisions.

Mr Kassis holds an engineering Master Degree from the Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble and a Master Degree in Finance from ESSEC Business School.

MR. WISSAM ZAHABIPrior to his appointment at the LPA Wissam was working as an Energy Advisor at the office of the Prime Minister in Beirut since 2003 as part of the UNPD team.

Wissam was actively involved in the energy sector; he was part of team that drafted the petroleum policy, the offshore petroleum law and the petroleum activities regulations. Wissam has been involved with all aspects of energy chain (Hydrocarbon Strategy, gas infrastructure, LNG project, feasibility study of the refinery, gas sales agreements).

Wissam has a master degree in engineering from the AUB and an MBA in Finance from HEC Montreal and has publications on Energy resource allocation using multi-objective goal programming.

In December 2015, he became the President of the Lebanese Petroleum Administration.

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DR. MARWAN ISKANDARMarwan Iskandar is a Lebanese economist who studied at Oxford University and the American University of Beirut.

Since well over thirty years, he has been chief economic commentator at An-Nahar, Lebanon’s leading newspaper. Between 1968 and 1974 he edited a weekly financial and economic review for An-Nahar.

He has advised the ruler of one Arab country and the ministries of finance and information of three other Arab countries.

Intermittently, he has advised three Lebanese prime ministers, and politico-economic major events in the Middle East.

From 1981 till 2005 he edited and published 25 yearly reviews of the

Lebanese economy committees (1984 and 1992) that prepared macro-economic programs for adjusting and improving the performance of the Lebanese economy.

His latest book which appeared in 2015 in Arabic had the title “Qatar’s Oscillating Policies”. The English edition will be published in June 2016.

NOTES

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NOTES NOTES

Infinite A5.pdf 1 5/14/15 2:37 PM

34 35

REGIONAL UPDATE ON THE OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT IN THE EAST MED & EUROPELebanon• Update on the Lebanese upstream






East Med• Update and latest developments in

Cyprus.• Global overview on the recent oil and



Europe• Overview on Montenegro’s recent

offshore developments (legal and financial frameworks, exploration and production bid round status…) .



Session 02

H.E. MR. VLADAN DUBLJEVIĆMr. Dubljevic currently holds a position as the Head of Hydrocarbon Administration of Montenegro, where he was appointed in 2016. For seven years he was a Deputy Minister of economy. He has a long and extensive experience in the oil and gas field. Mr. Dubljević was directly in charge of establishing a new upstream sector in Montenegro (including the legal framework and models of contracts, organization of Data Room and the First Bid round for the exploration and production of Hydrocarbons in Offshore Montenegro, evaluation of the bids and finally awarding the contracts for the exploration and production of Hydrocarbon in Offshore Montenegro).

Back in the days, he started as geologist (geophysicist) at the Geological Survey of Montenegro where he was a leader of various geotechnical and hydrogeological projects, many of them related to remote sensing and analysis of satellite surveys and GIS. He has a

professional experience as an advisor of the Government of Montenegro for matters of oil and gas exploration and construction of the regional gas pipeline.

He has 20 years of work experience and he holds a Master degree of technical sciences in the area of regional hydrogeology and geochemistry from the University of Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, and a Professional Master in GIS and remote sensing from the Instituto Agronomico per L’Oltremare, Florence, Italy.

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MR. DENIS SIMONNEAUA graduate of the Institut d’Etudes Politiques (IEP) and the Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA) in Paris, Denis Simonneau holds a Masters degree in Economics.

As a member of the French Diplomatic Service, he served in India (1988- 1989) and South Africa (1993-1996), was Adviser to the Minister of European Affairs, Michel Barnier (1996-1997), Counsellor at the French Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels from 1997 to 2001, and was appointed Consul General and Head of the French Trade Economic Mission, specialized in energy, in Houston, Texas (USA) from 2001 to 2005.

Deputy spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs of the French Government from 2005 to 2007, and head of communications during the launch of UNITAID, the agency set up to purchase medical supplies for developing countries, he was then Chief of Staff of the Minister for European Affairs, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, from July 2007 to December 2008, the period of the French presidency of the Council of the European Union. During that time, he also worked as Deputy chief of staff for Bernard Kouchner, French Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In May 2009, Denis Simonneau took up a position within the energy

company, GDF SUEZ. He was appointed Diplomatic Adviser to the Group’s Chairman and CEO, Gérard Mestrallet. In March 2010, he was nominated Senior Vice President for International Relations. His current position, held since May 2011, is Member of the Executive Committee in charge of European and International Relations for the ENGIE Group (ex GDF SUEZ).

Denis Simonneau is also President of EUROPANOVA, a French NGO specialized in European issues. He is a member of the Boards of the French section of the International Chamber of Commerce, PROPARCO, MEDEF International, and Chairman of “Les Amis de l’Université Française d’Egypte”. He is married and has four children. He was nominated as Chair of the ICC Commission on Corporate Responsibility and Anti-corruption since November 2015.

H.E. MR. GISSA GUCHETLDr. Gissa Guchetl, PHD Historical Sciences, Dr. of political science

Born in Russia, in 1957. Graduated from the Moscow State University (economist) and the law faculty of the Russian Institute of State and law, Russian Academy of Sciences with the assignment of the speciality "international lawyer".

Monographs and textbooks in Economics, political science and history for Moscow State University on Syria and Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Iraq; more than 20 publications in Russian, Arabic and English languages.

Was working for about 20 years at the diplomatic service in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

Specialization:• Relationship of the USSR (Russia)

with the Arab oil producing States (OPEC, OAPEC, IEA, etc.) in the energy sector etc., the activities of the earlier mentioned organizations, and transnational corporations (TNCs) on global and regional energy markets

• The participation of Russian oil and gas companies in the UN program for

Iraq "Oil in exchange for food". The participation of exporters of OPEC, Russia, USA, EU countries and TNCs in the formation of the price situation on the international oil and gas markets

• problems of delimitation of mineral rights for oil and gas fields between Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Iran, the international projects of joint development of hydrocarbon resources

2001-2003 – Council in the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation V. Putin• Since 2003 till now – Deputy and then

General Director of IOC "SoyuzNefteGaz",• Since 2006 – Executive Director of

the Union of Oil&Gas Producers of Russian Federation

3938

DR. NASSER HOTEITNasser HOTEIT has been involved in Energy Sector (Nuclear, Oil and Gas) for 32 years.

He started as researcher and engineer in Petroleum and Mining Sector with major European Petroleum Company. Afterward, he joined the nuclear industry as Geoscientist and head of Geosciences Directorate. His activities revolved around R&D that contributed in driving forward the knowledge of Conventional and Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources.

In Parallel, Mr. HOTEIT was board member of European Nuclear public agency and senior expert at the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

After Nuclear, He joined back the petroleum industry to become Expert and Technical Authority for Onshore and Offshore Gas fields’ development in Arctic regions.

On the other hands, Mr. HOTEIT has initiated several patents and has authored numerous scientific publications. During his industrial career, Mr. HOTEIT has also acted as Professor at Paris, Stockholm and Saint Petersburg Mining Schools and Paris and Grenoble Polytechnic Schools.

He studied in different universities Grenoble Polytechnic School, Alaska University and HEC-Paris. He has engineering degree, MPhil, PhD and MBA.

In 2014, Mr. HOTEIT was the President of the Lebanese Petroleum Authority –LPA-.

NOTES

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NOTES NOTES

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44 45

FINANCING O&G PROJECTS IN THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT• Market update• Keys to project financing• The Lebanese case

Session 03

H.E. MR. GEORGES KORMGeorges CORM studied in Paris and graduated from The Institut d’Etudes Politiques (with majors in Economy and Public Finance) in 1961 and from the Faculté de Droit et de Sciences Economiques (Ph.d. in Constitutional Law in 1969).

In December 1998 he was appointed, Minister of Finance of the Lebanese Republic (up to October 2000). During his tenure, he designed and began to implement a five years Fiscal Stabilization Plan (1999-2004), contributed to the elaboration of the Privatization law adopted in spring 2000, paid all State arrears to the private sector and prepared the introduction of VAT.

He has been Professor Lecturer from 1969 to 1985 at various Lebanese Universities and is now Professor at Saint-Joseph University. He is a member of several academic boards in the ME and Europe. He has published extensively in Arabic, French and English on economic topics and on history of the Middle East. His books are translated in several languages.

46 47

MR. FRANÇOIS KAYATFrancois Kayat is a Managing Director at Lazard Frères, a leading investment bank and advisory house. Prior to joining Lazard, Mr. Kayat was Head of Investment Banking at Credit Agricole CIB. Previously, Mr. Kayat chaired the European Mergers and Acquisitions Group of Credit Suisse First Boston.

Francois Kayat has 30 years of investment banking experience and has helped advise on transactions totaling more than $300 billion. He has worked for numerous companies in a wide range of sectors including Allianz, Alstom, Arcelor Mittal, Areva, Carrefour, CGG, Cora Louis Delhaize, Credit Agricole, Club Med, Enel, Eurocement, Euroneuws, Gecina, Hal Holdings, Klepierre, Lafarge, Lagardere, Leica Geosystems, Pathe, Schneider, Simon Properties, Technip, Telindus, Total, Ubisoft, Valeo, Vicat, Wendel and others.

Francois Kayat was a founding member of LIFE, Lebanese International Finance Executives and served on its first board

He is a graduate of ESCP Europe

DR. TOUFIC GASPARDToufic Gaspard, D.Phil. in Economics, University of Sussex, currently is an independent Economic Consultant to multilateral organizations, governments, and the private sector.

He has worked as Senior Economic Advisor to the Minister of Finance; Advisor at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C.; Banker in New York, Brussels and Beirut; and Lecturer in Economics at the American University of Beirut and at Université St Joseph.

He published in 2004 A Political Economy of Lebanon 1948-2002: The Limits of Laissez-faire, Brill Academic Publishers, Boston and Leiden. The book was also published in Arabic, in 2005 at Dar An-Nahar, Beirut.

He is currently working on a book on the political and economic failure of Arab societies since independence.

Some of Dr. Gaspard’s consultancy/publications work:

• Lebanese-Syrian Economic Relations: Status and Prospects, for UNDP, 2010

• Lebanon: Macroeconomic Situation and Perspectives, for the EC, 2008

• Lebanese Government Budgets: A Social and Economic Perspective, 2004, for the Lebanese Transparency Association and the US’s National Democratic Institute.

• Competition in the Lebanese Economy, 2003, a report for a draft Competition Law for Lebanon, for the Ministry of Economy and Trade and the EC (report available at http://www.economy.gov.lb).

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NOTES NOTES

ESA is a Business School dedicated to the education of executives and managers in Lebanon and the Middle East and managed by the Paris Île-de-France Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIR). ESA Business School is the first in Lebanon to obtain the AMBA Accreditation, the highest international distinction.

Its mission is to form the elite of Lebanon and the region into the leaders of tomorrow. ESA has become a beacon of academic excellence within Lebanon, and a platform for interaction and meetings between Europe, the Middle East and Lebanon.Paying keen attention to businesses and their needs, ESA assists them in developing their visions, and helps them better achieve their objectives by training and coaching their executives and managers.

Situated in the center of Beirut, and at the heart of the Middle East, ESA asserts its reach as an important international school, combining the talents of high-level faculty who rank among the world’s most preeminent specialists.

THE STRENGTHS OF ESA

Custom-made programs and courses, to train executives and managers, in accordance with the needs of the international workplace.

A faculty composed exclusively of professors drawn from the best business schools in Europe, particularly from ESCP Europe, HEC Paris, and other european universities such as Rotterdam School of Management (RSM).

Two international certifications, to validate each academic path: the ESA Degree and the Degree from its prestigious partner school or university.

Flexible schedules, allowing for both training and professional lives to be combined.

An influential international network, accessible by joining the ESA Alumni Association, which is linked to and a key associate of ESCP Alumni Association.

An advantageous place for business encounters, ESA organizes regular seminars and panel conferences with international speakers.

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EFFECTS OF LOW OIL AND GAS PRICES ON PETROLEUM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES• What are the main economic drivers

behind the oil price slump? (market over supplied, Iran new entry on the market, shale oil and gas…).

What could be the potential impacts of lifting Iran’s sanctions on global oil and gas prices? - (geopolitical and financial impacts on the region, and on Lebanon in particular, with an emphasis on potential impacts on the gas markets).

• How did low oil and gas prices affect the oil and gas industry so far (exploration activities, production, human capital…)?

• How low oil and gas prices affect IOCs on one hand and service companies on the other?

• Do low oil prices deter IOCs from investing in Lebanon? And if so, what could incentivize IOCs to still be interested in Lebanon’s offshore?

Session 04

MR. JEAN-BAPTISTE DUBREUILJean-Baptiste Dubreuil currently acts as Chief Analyst for Oil & Gas Markets within the economic advisory team of Engie, a global energy player operating in close to 70 countries on 5 continents. He also gives lectures on energy markets at Paris Institute of Political Sciences.

Jean-Baptiste has fifteen years of experience in the energy industry and held several economic analysis and advisory positions, in energy companies and services. He graduated in Economics and Finance from Paris Institute of Political Sciences, and post graduated in Energy Economics from IFP School.

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DR. CAROLE NAKHLEDr Nakhle is an internationally recognised expert in the field of Energy Economics. Her two decades of experience cover energy policy and investment, international petroleum contractual arrangements and fiscal regimes, world oil and gas market developments and governance of the extractive industry.

She has worked with a range of oil and gas companies (Eni and Statoil), policy makers (House of Lords), international organisations (IMF, World Bank, Commonwealth Secretariat), academic institutions (University of Surrey, Graduate School of International and Development Studies in Geneva), and think tanks (Lebanese Centre for Policy Studies, Carnegie Middle East Centre). As Energy Expert, she is a regular contributor to Geopolitical Information Service and is Program Advisor to the Washington based International Tax and Investment Centre. She is also a member of the Advisory Council of the Natural Resource Governance Institute.

Passionate about diversity in the energy sector, Dr Nakhle founded the not-for-profit organisation ‘Access for Women in Energy’ in 2007, with the aim of enhancing opportunities and enriching dialogue within the industry.

She is also the author of two books: Petroleum Taxation: Sharing the Wealth (2008, re-printed 2012); and Out of the Energy Labyrinth (2007), co-authored with Lord Howell. She has also written numerous articles for academic journals, newspapers and magazines, and is a regular commentator on energy and geopolitics in the international media.

An avid traveller, Dr Nakhle has worked on projects involving more than 40 countries – including expeditions to the Arctic and North Sea – and is fluent in Arabic, English and French.

For a list of Dr Nakhle’s publications please visit School of Economics, University of Surrey.

MR. FOUAD MAKHZOUMIFouad Makhzoumi is a chemical engineer, industrialist, businessman, editorialist, philanthropist and politician. He is the Chairman of “Future Group Holdings” (Luxembourg) and “Future Pipe Group” (Dubai). He is also the Chairman of the “National Dialogue Party” and the “Forum for National Dialogue” (Lebanon) and the Founder and Honorary Chairman of the “Makhzoumi Foundation” (Lebanon). Mr. Makhzoumi is also a member of the boards of a number of international institutes and strategy centers, such as the International Board of the Council on Foreign Relations “U.S./Middle East Project”; the “Arab Reform Initiative” (ARI); and the “de Gasperi Foundation”.

He has set up the “Rami Makhzoumi Chair in Corporate Governance” at the American University of Beirut; yearly

awards for “Leadership and Excellence” at the International College in Beirut and the “Makhzoumi Lebanese Studies Endowment” at the University of Alberta, Canada. Mr. Makhzoumi is a Commander of the Italian Republic Order of Merit and the awardee of a multitude of international trophies and awards. He is a global lecturer in politics and economics.

56 57

MR. JEAN-PAUL SABBAGHJean-Paul Sabbagh has a University Education pursued in several French universities among which "faculty of Science-Po" and the French Institute of Petroleum. He is at present a professor at “Sciences Po”. He teaches several subjects related to oil and gas: "Big Stakes in the energy", "Oil Markets" and "Financing of the energy”. He founded the Energy Chaire in “Sciences-Po, Public Administration School”. He is also a speaker to the “French Association of Gas". Having showed his ability to "Fortis Bank" to "French Banking Federation" and to the European Commission, he worked successively at “Natexis Banques Populaires” (2005-2007), Oddo Securities (2007-2009), on "Kyte Group-Market Securities/Oil Petroleum products" in Geneva and in Paris (2009-present).

At “Natexis” he has worked in the sectors of “Trade Finance” and “Relationship Manager” in the “Commodities Division”. At “Oddo Securities” he was an “Equity Research Analyst”. He covered major European stocks (mainly Total, BP, Shell, Air Liquide, Linde and BASF). He was a financial analyst and he was in charge of understanding market

fundamentals, trends and structures, cost calculation, production of full suite of exposure reports, Financial modelling of the relationship between supply and demand and price.

At Kyte Group-Market Securities, he has worked in Geneva and in Paris. At present, he is Project Director for key client projects in Oil and Gas, he is an investment strategist and he develops the trading and marketing department with international actors in Europe. Sabbagh is leading commercial and functional team to support business acquisition. He also manages and develops work with third parties and sub-contractors. He is leading a commercial and functional team to support business acquisition.

PROF. PATRICE GEOFFRONPhD in industrial organization, Patrice Geoffron is Professor of Economics at Paris-Dauphine University.

Formerly international Vice-President of Paris-Dauphine, he now heads the CGEMP (Research Center in Energy Economics and Geopolitics) and the advisory board of the Climate Economics Chair. He joined in 2014 the scientific council of the CHNC (Centre Hydrocarbures Non Conventionnel, Center for Unconventional fossil fuels).

Recently published: Climate Economics in Progress 2013, Climate Economics Chair, 2013. The New Energy Crisis, Palgrave McMillan, 2013.

58 59

NOTES NOTES

AMBASSADE DE FRANCEAU LIBAN

Avec le soutien de

www.meref.org

Conjuguons nos compétencespour mieux entreprendre

62 63

GOOD GOVERNANCE IN EMERGING PRODUCERS: CHALLENGES AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS• The Dispute Resolution Clause: Key

factor for the Efficiency of Oil & Gas Contracts.

• Attracting the most qualified investor in the long run.

• Maximize the economic returns to the state through licensing.

• Earn and retain public trust and manage public expectations.

• Increase local content and benefits to the broader economy.

• Build capable national organizations to participate in and oversee the development of the resources.Increase accountability.

Session 05

DR. VALÉRIE MARCELDr Valérie Marcel is an associate fellow at Chatham House, and leads the New Petroleum Producers Discussion Group. She is an expert on national oil companies and petroleum-sector governance, and has carried out extensive fieldwork in order to gain an understanding of the perspectives of producer countries. She is the author (with John V. Mitchell) of Oil Titans: National Oil Companies in the Middle East (Chatham House/Brookings, 2006). Her current research focuses on governance issues in emerging producers in sub-Saharan Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

She is a member of KPMG’s advisory team for energy-sector governance. She also provides thought leadership

for the Global Agenda Council on the Future of Oil and Gas at the World Economic Forum.

Dr Marcel previously led energy research at Chatham House, and taught international relations at the Institut d’études politiques (Sciences Po), Paris, and at Cairo University.

64 65

DR. NATHALIE NAJJARNathalie Najjar has a PhD in Law summa cum laude from the University of Paris II – Panthéon Assas (France). She lectures now at the University Paris II – Panthéon, Assas. She is also a lecturer in charge of “Domestic and international arbitration” course in the PhD studies (DEA) of private law and in the LLM of business law at the Faculty of Law of Saint-Joseph University of Beirut (Lebanon).

She is lawyer at the Beirut Bar and senior partner at Ibrahim NAJJAR law firm.

She is an international arbitrator and represents the Lebanese State before the ICSID. She is appointed by Several Institutions such as the International Chamber of Commerce (France), the Cairo Regional Center for International Commercial Arbitration (Egypt), the (DIAC) Dubaï, by other institutions and by parties in Ad hoc Arbitrations (domestic and international).

She handled as arbitrator, lawyer or counsel many domestic and international cases and arbitrations involving local and international companies and States in many fields of domestic and international trade disputes.

She is the chairman of the Arbitration Commission of the International Chamber of Commerce – Lebanon.

She is also General Secretary of the "Lebanese Review of Arab and International Arbitration" and author of Arbitration in the Arab countries faced with international trade requirements, foreworded by Emmanuel Gaillard, (LGDJ, France, 2004) that was crowned by many awards and prizes in France and in Lebanon. She is also the author of many articles and contributions published in renowned books and reviews.

She is member of several international arbitration commissions at the International Chamber of Commerce (France) and at the Beirut Bar Association.

She acted as expert in arbitration before many international institutions such as ICC, ACOJURIS, IDLO or others and participated and organized many conferences and coaching sessions in Europe and Arab countries.

MR. IMAD MAKHZOUMIBorn in 1964, Imad Makhzoumi has a Bachelors of Science in civil engineering from the University of Southern California, Los Angles and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Mc Gill University in Montreal Canada.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, lived in Lebanon, the UK, USA and Canada and currently based in Dubai. Started his career in the pipe business early and during his education in the USA and in Canada by working through various disciplines, departments and ranks until he joined Future Pipe Industries in Dubai in 1989.

His experiences in various aspects of the pipe business from engineering site services to operations provided him with an in depth knowledge of the pipe market and covered multiple disciplines. He was appointed as Vice president in 1994, and led the Group’s sales team of Future Pipe Industries from the GCC, one of the largest fiberglass growths market in the world.

He also managed to expand the business into new segments and territories, in Asia and the GCC particularly in the Oil and Gas, Industrial and Municipal sectors. He has supported the growth of the company not only through sales but through development of various ventures to produce pipe across the world.

He played an integral role in the development of the engineering Group

Dynaflow International which was part of the Holding company as the Executive Vice President responsible for its development and integration within the pipe division offering a complete solution to both Oil & Gas and Industrial sector.

He served as the COO of FPI during 2009-2011 during which the Group was going through two major initiatives the Revolution@ and the Evolution@ which lead to the expansion of the group and its preparation for the contemplated IPO on both the DIFX and the LSE. He participated and supported the CEO in the preparation of the IPO process and was an active team member during the road show.

He is currently serving as the Executive Vice President for Asia and he is a member of the Board of Directors for Future Pipe Group assisting the CEO and Chairman in developing new Joint ventures in Asia and across the world.

66 67

MR. RAYAN KOUATLYRayan is the managing partner of Kouatly & Associates in Beirut and focuses his practice in Lebanon on arbitration matters, Energy law, mergers and acquisitions.

He has advised the Lebanese Parliamentarian Committee for Energy on the drafting of oil and gas laws, the impact of the new laws on the existing regulatory framework and maritime delimitation. His team comprises specialized energy lawyers in Lebanon's. He's the Vice President of the Beirut Bar Association Committee on Oil and Gas.

The expertise of Kouatly & Associates - Attorneys covers Oil and Gas Law, Corporate Law, Arbitration, Banking Law, Maritime and Aviation Law, Real Estate and Construction Law, Intellectual Property and Franchising.

He was a member of the Task Force that undertook the revision of the ICC rules of Arbitration. He’s been a Lecturer at ESA (École Supérieure des Affaires- Beirut) on International Commercial Arbitration and

a speaker at several regional symposia on different Legal issues especially on the Oil and Gas sector in Lebanon. He is often appointed as a member or chair of many arbitration panels in international and regional arbitrations.

He is or served as a Board Member of different regional organizations

Rayan has an LLB and a DEA (Diplome D'Études Approfondies) in Public and Private International Law from Nice Sophia-Antipolis University with emphasis on international contracts and international commercial arbitration.

NOTES

68 69

NOTES NOTES

70 71

RECOMMENDATIONS TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE SECTOR IN LEBANON• What is the opportunity cost that

Lebanon is baring or could bare following a political deadlock or a stagnation in its prospective oil and gas sector?

• Given the above geopolitical and economic contexts what are the lessons that Lebanon could draw on to optimize its position in being an attractive terrain for oil and gas investments?

• How could Lebanon mitigate geopolitical and economic risks in order to proceed successfully with its sector?

Session 06

MR. CAMILLE MENASSA

With over 50 years of experience in the world of media, Camille Gabriel Menassa had a distinguished career with leading press, Radio and TV organizations. He is currently the Chairman of “Front Page Communication S.A.L.”, an Integrated Marketing & Communication Agency and International Vice President for the Near East of “L'Union Internationale des Journalistes et de la Presse Francophone" (U.P.F).

He started his career as a journalist in 1957 at L'Orient newspaper, before moving to ORTF (“Office de la Radio et de la Télévision Française”) as a Middle East correspondent.

From 1960 to 1971, Menassa was Editor-in-Chief of the Lebanese Television, the first TV station in the region and President of the “Centre du Cinema et de la Télévision” (1961-1967) which is affiliated to the Ministry of Information.

From 1967 to 1971, he became Head of Programs Unit at Radio-Liban and the Middle East correspondent of Radio Monte Carlo – Europe – (1967-1976) and the ABC American TV Network (1970-1972). In 1971, he was appointed administrative manager of “Media Press”, the advertising unit of “An Nahar” and “L’Orient-Le Jour” newspapers. Subsequently, he became the administrative director of “L'Orient-

Le Jour” and founder & chairman of “Les Editions L’Orient-Le Jour” publishing company. He was also President of the Lebanese section of “L'Union Internationale des Journalistes de la Presse Francophone”, “President of the Lebanese Businessmen Association” (RDCL), and President of the “Beirut Rotary Club”. From TV stations to newspapers publishing, Menassa played a vital role in the media world. He was founder and Editor-in-chief for six years at Murr TV (MTV), News and Political Programs from 1995 to 2001. Menassa is a member of the “Lebanese Press Order Board” and member of the “Islamic-Christian Dialogue” Committee. He is a lecturer in Communication and Journalism, MBA Level at the Faculty of Human Sciences, Saint Joseph University and a lecturer in the Lebanese University - Faculty of Journalism.

Menassa holds a Bachelor of Law from Saint Joseph University, Beirut.

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NOTES NOTES

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NOTES

THANK YOU NOTELebanon’s National Wealth and Front Page Communication would like to thank you for your attendance and participation today at our 3rd Oil & Gas Forum. Your presence, along with your active, contribution, feedback and ideas made this year’s event a success.

We extend our special thanks and appreciation to:

Our speakers: H.E. Arthur Nazarian, H.E. Dr. Georges Corm, H.E. Lapo Pistelli, H.E. Gissa Guchetl, H.E. Mr. Vladan Dubljevic, Special Envoy Amos Hochstein, Fouad Makhzoumi, Stéphane Attali, Denis Simonneau, Elias Kassis, Wissam Zahabi, Dr. Nasser Hoteit, Jean-Baptiste Dubreuil, Dr. Carole Nakhle, Professor Patrice Geoffron, Jean Paul Sabbagh, Dr. Valérie Marcel, Imad Makhzoumi, Dr. Nathalie Najjar, Rayan Kouatly, Dr. Marwan Iskandar, Dr. Toufic Gaspard, François Kayat, who have contributed at providing precious insights on the Oil & Gas current situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as the geopolitical implications. Their interventions, debates and reports, will help develop further the industry in a more productive manner.

We would also like to thank more specifically our Partners: Forum for National Dialogue/A Makhzoumi Initiative, ESA “Ecole Supérieure des Affaires”, MEREF “Mouvement des Entreprises et Représentations Economiques Françaises au Liban”, Total, Engie, BBAC, Fawaz Holding, Pikasso, Al Monitor, Hipernation, Lebanon Gas and Oil, MESP “Middle East Strategic Perspectives”, Lebanon Debate and Voix du Liban.

A special thanks is due to LBCI for its invaluable help in broadcasting the entire event live during this whole day, and all local, regional and international media organizations for their contribution and support.

We appreciate your positive evaluations on the (www.lebanonnationalwealth.org) as to the quality of the presentations, speakers and overall organization of the event. We will certainly take all your ideas on board and endeavor to surpass your expectations next time in our series of forums on the subject.

We invite you to follow the organization of our future events on our web site and on our social media.

Camille MenassaChairman Front Page Communication

Forum Oil & Gas 2016 - Booklet

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