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Page 1: PARRAMATTA ON THE MOVE - ALCC · Parramatta café. Now, Parramatta City Council has launched an exciting and unique program, 'Activate Parramatta' to bring to life innovative and

THE AUSTRALIAN LEBANESECHAMBER OF COMMERCE Chamber

N E W S

AUSTRALIAN LEBANESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OCTOBER 2014 www.alcc.com.au

PARRAMATTA ON THE MOVE

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Chamber

CHAMBER News is published by The Australian Lebanese Chamberof Commerce Pty. Ltd. All correspondence to be addressed to:

The Australian LebaneseChamber of Commerce Pty. LtdG.P.O. Box 3484Sydney NSW 2001

www.alcc.com.auThe opinions expressed in this publication are not the official opinions ofthe Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce unless expresslystated. The Chamber does not accept any responsibility for theaccuracy or otherwise of the information contained in this publication.Readers should rely on their own enquiries when making anydecisions or taking any action affecting their interests.

FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT Nadia Obeid - 0416 014 920 or 9588 2244Email: [email protected]

The Chamber is Published by the Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce (ALCC) Contributions for the next issue can be E-Mailed to [email protected]

The Chamber is designed & printed byR.M. Gregory Printers227-231 Georges River RoadCroydon Park NSW 2133 Ph: (02) 9744 8979 www.rmgregory.com.au

AUSTRALIAN LEBANESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Board Members

Name TitleJoe Khattar PresidentMichael Rizk Head of Trade Relations

Australia - LebanonMichael Murr Treasu rerNadia Obeid SecretaryDr Anthony Hasham 1st Vice PresidentSalim Nicolas 2nd Vice President

Name TitleJoe Rizk DirectorMichael Symond DirectorAdam Malouf DirectorFouad Deiri DirectorDany Nicolas DirectorDanny Arraj DirectorElie Touma DirectorPeter Semaan DirectorPeter Bader Director

Another year is nearly over andin this issue of the Chamber'sNewsletter, I'd like to say thankyou on behalf of the ALCCBoard of Directors, for yourcontinuous and tremendoussupport to the Chamber andfor your presence in all of ourfunctions and seminars.

We take enormous pride in the relationship we havewith each one of you and we have no doubt that thisrelationship will continue for a long time to come,because it is based not only on business factorsbut more importantly on the mutual respect we havefor each other.

On behalf of the ALCC Board of Directors, I'd like towish you and your families many happy healthyyears ahead and best wishes for Christmas and theNew Year.

Joe Khattar AMPresidentThe Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENTIN THIS EDITIONActivate Parramatta 4

Annual Luncheon 2014 6

St George Bank Lebanese Film Festival 8

You Get What You Pay For 10

Australia - Gulf FTA 12

Seven Hidden Lanes In Parramatta 14

Byblos: A City of Heritage 14

The Dekwaneh Trade Delegation's 16

The Port of Tripoli's New Infrastructure 16

Arab Bank CEO Visits Lebanon 17

Find us on:&

A U S T R A L I A N L E B A N E S E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

N E W S

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ChamberNews 4

Activate Parramatta!

Parramatta has Australia’s fastest-growing night timeeconomy according to independent research by aNational Local Government Committee.

Parramatta was recently ranked as NSW’s ‘mostliveable’ suburb by the Urban Development Institute ofAustralia.

The 2013 winning ‘Good Café Guide’ award went to aParramatta café.

Now, Parramatta City Council has launched an excitingand unique program, 'Activate Parramatta' to bring tolife innovative and creative business ideas that willcontinue to activate key areas of Parramatta's CBD.

The ‘Activate Parramatta’ program is an incentive forbusinesses to present ideas to activate key areasincluding the new Centenary Square, Town Hall,Laneways and Parramatta River foreshore, day andnight.

The program is about government stepping out of theway, reducing red tape and creating opportunities forinnovative ventures. The best business ideas will be inthe running for grants of up to $10,000 to get started inParramatta.

Businesses may propose their ideas for trial periods,with the view to implementing long term, ifdemonstrated to be sustainable.

key objectives of ‘Activate Parramatta’ are to:• To engage, grow, develop and support

entrepreneurial ideas in the CBD.• To activate the public domain and vacant

commercial and retail spaces in the CBD.• To support and assist businesses that have

innovative ideas that promote activation and demonstrate market potential and a sound business model.

• To encourage new and emerging enterprises to grow and enhance Parramatta’s reputation as a smart and creative city.

Parramatta’s LanesParramatta’s lane system is extensive and the biggestin Sydney after that of the Sydney CBD.

Laneway activation is an untapped opportunity withthe potential to enhance and refresh existing activity inthe Parramatta CBD. In particular, activities thatcomplement the existing nightlife are highlyencouraged.

Lanes offer residents and workers with shortcutsthrough the city to their destination and are oftencharacterised by high pedestrian traffic.

Pedestrian-only lanes can act as pocket parks,providing much needed small areas for stopping,pausing, socialising, snacking and waiting, all theactivities that humanise the city.

Red Cow Lane. Possible activation ideas: short term shops, coffee cart.

Case Study: ‘Twilight Friday Nights’With the support of Activate Parramatta, a localbusiness was able to trial a pop-up bar in one ofCouncil’s unique CBD pocket parks at Erby Place.

The bar served ciders and craft beers from localbreweries. The green space beneath a canopy ofjacaranda trees was activated with a beer tent and livemusicians, as well as food trucks visiting each week.

The initiative received coverage in Sydney’smetropolitan press.

Parramatta’s new Centenary Square

Twilight Friday Nights

To find out more, and for a list of targeted lane options,visit www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/activate or email [email protected]

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E: [email protected]: 02 8571 0622

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ChamberNews 6

Over 700 members and guests assembled at DoltoneHouse, Jones Bay Wharf to attend the AustralianLebanese Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Luncheon.2GB’s very own Ross Greenwood hosted the event andconducted a live interview with Harry Triguboff AO,founder and Managing Director of Meriton Group ofCompanies.

The 81 year old Harry Triguboff delighted the audiencewith anecdote on his success and commentary on thebuilding market. The interview also addressed thedemand for accommodation in New South Wales andalso the need for more state investment in infrastructure.

Maserati exhibited the recently launch Ghibli S. TheGhibli is an attention grabbing sporty model with anemphasis on glamour and sophistication. Maserati alsodonated a prized to the Business Card Draw. One luckywinner walked away with a Maserati drive experience,including lunch at Jonah’s Whale Beach for four guests.

Haron Robson also donated an iPad to the Business

Card Draw and the ALCC’s new partner, Etihad donatedtwo return Business Class tickets flying Etihad Airways,to any destination on the Etihad Airways online network.

Warren Jack from the Australian Institute ofTraining addressed the chamber about his recent trip toLebanon. He thanked the ALCC’s Head of TradeRelations, Michael Rizk for his hospitality and forfacilitating the opportunity.

After the Luncheon, guests were invited to join the ALCCDirectors at The Star for an extended networkingopportunity.

The ALCC has hosted the Luncheon for over 10 years.It is now one of the largest networking events in Sydneyspanning over multiple industries.

Thank you to our sponsors who made this event atremendous success. We look forward to seeing on youagain at The ALCC Annual Business Awards on 24October 2014.

Annual Luncheon 2014

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SYDNEY, 13 October 2014- Audiences continue to grow for theSt.George Bank Lebanese Film Festival (LFF) with an increase of 500people in attendance this year.

Having attracted close to 1400 people, the annual event took place 22 August through to 6 September. Lebanese Film Festival Director, Mr Camille Lattouf, says, “This is an amazing achievement for the Lebanese FilmFestival and this clearly shows audiences are interested in what Lebanese cinema and Western Sydney in particularhas to offer.”

Set up as a not-for-profit organisation, one of the objectives of the Lebanese Film Festival Association is to ensure allcommunities, particularly those without direct access to foreign film and premier arts and cultural events are providedthe opportunity to engage.

The Lebanese Film Festival has received major support with St.George Bank securing naming rights sponsorship aswell as sponsorship from Bankstown City Council, Screen NSW, the Community Relations Commission and variouslocal and national organisations.

St.George Chief Executive, Mr George Frazis says, “I am excited about this partnership. St.George Bank particularlysupports initiatives to make arts accessible right across Sydney and is proud to support the Lebanese Film Festivalwhich has a strong Western Sydney presence. Events like this help in a better understanding of culture andcommunity”.Australian cinema icon, Bryan Brown, is patron of the Lebanese Film Festival, supporting the association since itsinception.

Celebrating the work of Lebanese film makers across the world, a total of 28 films were showcased this year, rangingbetween features, shorts and documentaries.

Of these films, two in particular were a highlight this year. ‘Stable, Unstable’, a feature film directed by Mahmoud Hojeijwas awarded Film of the Year and feature film, ‘Bordering on Bad Behaviour’, directed by Jac Mulder, was awardedTeam Choice.

The newly constructed Bryan Brown Theatre in Bankstown hosted the opening night event and screenings took placeat Hoyts Cinema Bankstown and Chatswood.

Preparations are already underway for the 2015 with the event officially opening 21 August.

The St.George Bank Lebanese Film Festival is under the patronage of legendary Australian actor, Bryan Brown, and isthe world’s largest festival of Lebanese Film.

For more press information, contact the Lebanese Film Festival Public Relations Coordinator, Julia Lattouf [email protected] or on +61 422 408 399

ChamberNews 8

AUDIENCES CONTINUE TO GROW FOR THE

ST.GEORGE BANK LEBANESE FILM FESTIVAL

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The High Court limits the scope of a builder’s liabilityfor latent defects

Brookfield Multiplex Ltd v Owners Corporation StrataPlan 61288 [2014] HCA 36The Brookfield decision affects who is responsible fordefects arising from building works – and can beaddressed by amending terms in developmentagreements, building contracts and sale agreements. Thisis a major decision for all industry participants tounderstand.

Certainty on post completion liabilityYou get what you pay for. A builder prices its works basedon risk, including risk of future liability to successors in titleto a property.

So why did it take a High Court decision to find that abuilder’s liability is usually limited by its contract with adeveloper?

In a unanimous decision delivered on 8 October 2014 theHigh Court overturned a decision of the New South WalesCourt of Appeal which had otherwise caused considerableconcern for builders and developers with respect to theirliability in negligence for latent defects. All 7 judges heardthe appeal and agreed that it should be allowed.

This landmark decision will provide considerable comfortfor the industry.

The FactsThe case concerned the construction of a mixed use retail,residential and serviced apartment complex in Chatswood,New South Wales pursuant to a contract between adeveloper and Brookfield Multiplex.

The subject works were completed in 1999.

In 2008, the Owners Corporation of the servicedapartments, as successor in title to the developer,commenced proceedings against Brookfield alleging latentdefects and, relevantly, claiming damages in negligence.

Court of AppealAt trial, his Honour Justice McDougall held that it was notappropriate for him to find what he considered a novel dutyof care as between the Owners Corporation andBrookfield.

In the Court of Appeal, this finding was overturned. Acritical plank in finding for the Owners Corporation was thatthey were ‘vulnerable’ as purchasers of the properties, i.e.,that they were unable to protect themselves from abuilder’s failure to exercise reasonable care giving rise tolatent defects.

In the circumstances, the Court of Appeal held that thebuilder owed the Owners Corporation a duty of care to avoidlatent defects causing pure economic loss arising from:• structural defects;• defects which constitute a danger to persons or

property in the vicinity of the building; or• defects which otherwise render a building

uninhabitable.

Perversely, albeit in obiter, the Court of Appeal went on torecognise the potential for:• a concurrent duty as between the developer and

Brookfield beyond that anticipated by the building contract (in the absence of clauses limiting liability for latent defects); and

• a subsequent purchaser being entitled to rights againstBrookfield which were not rights held by the developer(effectively passing on better title than it held!)

The High Court AppealFollowing the grant of special leave earlier this year, in fourseparate judgments, the High Court overturned thedecision of the Court of Appeal.

The High Court held that Brookfield, the builder of the stratatitled serviced apartment complex did not owe a duty ofcare to the Owners Corporation, the successor in title tothe developer, to avoid causing it pure economic lossarising from latent defects in the common property.

The High Court emphasised that there is no general duty ofcare to avoid pure economic loss and the exceptions tothat should be confined to cases where the plaintiff wasvulnerable, i.e. unable to protect itself.

The High Court did not accept that the OwnersCorporation was vulnerable as:• the design and construct contract between Brookfield

and the developer contained detailed provisions with respect to the quality of the works to be completed, including a defects liability regime during a prescribed defects liability period; and

• the standard form sale contract to purchasers annexedthe design and construct contract and additionally provided rights in relation to defects in the property.

There was no duty of care in respect of pure economic lossflowing from latent defects owed by Brookfield to thedeveloper – nor could such a duty be imposed onBrookfield with respect to subsequent purchasers.

This is not to say that in certain circumstances a buildercould not be held to owe a duty of care to a subsequentpurchaser – as was the case in Bryan v Maloney withrespect to a simple building contract relating to a singleresidential dwelling. Of note, Gageler J reinforced that the

ChamberNews 10

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

Danny ArrajManaging PartnerBlackstone Waterhouse Lawyers

Veno PanickerPartner, Construction & Major ProjectsBlackstone Waterhouse Lawyers

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ChamberNews 11

implicit assumption of vulnerability by the Court in Bryan isno longer appropriate and the question of whether aplaintiff was vulnerable was a matter of fact to beestablished by evidence.

The decision means that, carefully drafted, the risk for suchliability has been significantly curtailed.

The decision also highlighted the Court’s recognition of theimportance of commercial certainty in this area of law.

Impact of the decisionIf a developer wishes to pass on the benefits of warrantiesfor latent defects for aspects of a project to successors intitle, such as an Owners Corporation, it can do so and abuilder will price and be paid accordingly.

Whilst the decision is close, it does not absolutely precludea finding that in other circumstances, there may be a risk ofa duty of care being imposed.

The Court will continue to assess such matters on a caseby case basis. Accordingly, out of an abundance ofcaution, despite the decision, consideration shouldcontinue to carefully be given to:• express provisions in contracts limiting liability in

negligence with respect to a developer;• express provisions in contracts limiting liability for latent

defects;• revision of sale contracts to limit or exclude liability in

negligence to subsequent purchasers;• long term subcontractor warranties, assignable to

successors in title, particularly for items prone to latentdefect claims (structural items, waterproofing, corrosion etc); and

• long term subcontractor indemnities for latent defects which may constitute a danger to persons or property.

The decision should be borne in mind when purchasing aproperty – caveat emptor!

How we can help youIf you a developer, builder or purchaser of a property, youneed to understand:• what you are covered for under your agreements;• who is responsible for defects; and• what risks you are assuming yourself in a transaction.

We can tailor property development, building contracts andsale documents to minimise your exposure to such liability.

Our litigation team also has considerable experience in theresolution of claims relating to defects.

Blackstone Waterhouse will be also presenting a seminaron this decision soon. Please contact Danny Arraj or VenoPanicker if you are interested in attending.

Blackstone WaterhouseDesigners of legal solutions.

At Blackstone Waterhouse we specialise in providing legalservices to the development and construction industry.

Our services include:• property development and planning advice;• construction contracting and dispute resolution;• tendering and subcontracting;• contract review and negotiation; and• commercial and retail leasing.

Blackstone Waterhouse Lawyers are happy to provide you with legal advice on the matters or comments contained in this article.

If you have any queries in relation to any aspect of this article please contact Danny Arraj (Managing Partner) or Veno Panicker (Partner) on +612 9279 0288

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ChamberNews 12

The Case for an Australia - Gulf Cooperation

Council Free Trade Agreement

Australia has a long history in termsof trade and investment with theMiddle East and North Africa (MENA)region, dating back to the 19thcentury. However, it is a relationshipthat has never realised its fullpotential, given our historical

relationship with the UK and Europe, more recentgrowth in trade and investment between Australiaand Asia, particularly China, and the political andsocio-economic problems that have beset the MiddleEast since just after World War II. This is despite thefact that, currently, Australia’s two-way trade andinvestment with the MENA region is larger than itstwo-way trade and investment with China.

The traditional focus has been on the export ofgoods to the MENA region from Australia (particularlylivestock and foodstuffs), and investment by MENAcompanies and individuals in agriculture (wheat,grain). However, in recent times, Australia hasincreasingly exported its services and expertise,particularly in the areas of education, construction,healthcare, transportation, courier/freight services, oilfield services, financial services and professionalservices (for example, legal, accounting, architecture,design). Conversely, MENA companies andindividuals are looking to invest significantly inAustralia (and have already done so) in areas whereforeign capital is sorely needed, namely,infrastructure, property, agriculture (along the entiresupply chain) and, to a lesser extent, manufacturing.It is against this backdrop that an Australia-GulfCooperation Council (GCC) free trade agreement(FTA) is timely.

The GCC countries, and in particular the United ArabEmirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA), represent Australia’s largest trading andinvestment partners in the MENA region: two-waymerchandise trade with the UAE is $6.4 billion andtwo-way investment is $18.6 billion; with regardsKSA, two-way merchandise trade is $2.5 billion andtwo-way investment is $4.5 billion.

Negotiations with regards the FTA have continued onand off since 2005; the most recent development, inMarch 2014, is that the GCC Ministerial Councilapproved the resumption of FTA negotiations, but nospecific timing has been disclosed in this regard. TheFTA would be the first such agreement betweenAustralia and the Middle East, with the aim ofsecuring a substantial and comprehensive

agreement covering goods, services and investment,and one that is consistent with World TradeOrganisation rules and principles.The FTA would provide a number of benefits, such asstreamlining of project approvals and encouragingstructured investment into Australia (particularly ininfrastructure). The FTA would also tackle anyexisting bilateral impediments in areas such as: tariffand non-tariff barriers related to Australia’s foodexports; market access barriers related to theprovision of services; industrial and technicalstandards; sanitary and phytosanitary issues;movement of natural persons; tourism and educationexchanges and government procurement.

FTA negotiations are a natural step forward incementing Australia’s longstanding relationship withthe GCC, which currently encompasses more than16,000 expatriate Australians and over 400Australian companies in the region across a variety ofindustries. This relationship will only grow, particularlywith plans for significant infrastructure and propertydevelopment across all asset classes in Australia,and with similar plans in the GCC in terms of socialinfrastructure (education, healthcare, housing andpublic works) and specific international events suchas the 2020 World Expo in Dubai and the 2022 WorldCup in Qatar.

Adam Malouf is the Chief Executive Officer of AustrakCapital, a boutique advisory firm focused on two-waytrade and investment between Australia and the MiddleEast, and prior to that spent 10 years working in theMiddle East in C-Level positions in financial services, realestate, funds management and private equity. He is aqualified company director, a Fellow of the AustralianInstitute of Company Directors, and sits on the board ofthe Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce, and theNSW management committee of the Australia ArabChamber of Commerce and Industry.

Adam can be contacted on +61 450 314 222 or [email protected].

Connecting the world, infinite possibilities

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ChamberNews 14

Parramatta’s hidden lanes were filled with art, musicand flavours from around as part of the annualParramatta Lanes festival, which attracted up to 20,000people over four days from 7-10 October.

Gourmet street foods, craft beers, cocktails, live musicand art installations filled seven uniquely themed lanesthroughout Parramatta CBD as part of the annual event.

“This vibrant event is a great way to breathe life intoParramatta’s hidden lanes, and a wonderful way toshowcase the great food culture that we have in ourcity,” Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Scott Lloyd said.

“Parramatta’s typically quiet lanes were transformedinto themed spaces, from a Middle Eastern bazaar to a

chic French inspired eatery, and even a Tokyo neonplayground with an array of Asian street food.”

Event attractions included an art installation called LoveTV, which saw a huge van transformed into a televisionset and revellers were entertained with live discussionsas ‘Aphrodite the goddess of love’ interviewed eagerfestival-goers.

There was also plenty of live music and roamingentertainment on offer and a huge selection of foodranging from fresh dumplings, to a modern Australianspit roast lamb burgers and an outdoor bar serving craftbeers and cocktails.

Thousands explore seven hidden

lanes in Parramatta

Byblos: a city of heritage par excellence but

can its crumbling icons be saved by the

cash-strapped government in Beirut?

After being chosen as the Best Tourist City in the ArabWorld in 2013, and after winning the Golden Appleaward by FIJET (or World Federation of TravelJournalists and Writers), the Lebanese city Byblos orJbeil reached newspaper headlines once again recentlyfor being the second oldest continuously-inhabited cityin the world.

In September The Telegraph website ran a feature onthe 20 oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the worldand mentioned that Byblos has been inhabited since5000 BC. The president of the municipality Ziad Hawattold An Nahar in an interview that “the projects [inByblos] are numerous but the primary concern is topreserve the archaeological sites and the touristic sitesin the old city of Jbeil and that constitutes a greattreasure, and a great and majestic history.”

One of these cites is the old house with the red roofnear the citadel. The house which is older than 160

years is reported to be in bad condition and needsproper renovation.

Hawat assured An Nahar that the municipality will“demand from the authorities and ministries tocooperate with us to restore it, because it is the imageof Jbeil, it’s from the history of Lebanon, and the historyof this whole region and the majesty of Lebanon. Weare keen to not only keep it, but restore it, fix it, and turnit into a museum.”

Another museum is said to be opened in Birds NestArmenian Orphanage in Byblos, according to somelocals, and will feature Armenian Genocide- andArmenian culture-related items. Renovations arealready taking place. Hawat said the orphanage and itscultural significance will be preserved “because this isalso from the history of Armenians in Jbeil and aspecimen of coexistence in Jbeil that is consisted ofcitizens with different affiliations, and from differentsects, religions and races.”

The orphanage was first established by the Americannear East relief organization during WWI, and then wastransferred to Danish missionary Maria Jacobson, andis currently under the direction of the ArmenianCatholicosate of Cilicia.

Hawat said that the municipality will keep working hardto preserve the entire city’s archeological sites so “Jbeilstays a historical and cultural city, a city of heritage parexcellence.”

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ChamberNews 15

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ChamberNews 16

The Dekwaneh Trade Delegation's

Second Sydney Visit

The recent visit of the DekwanehTrade Delegation to Sydneyheaded by the Mayor of DekwanehMr Antoine Chakhtoura, DeputyMayor George Sader, Mr JosephChakhtoura and Mr. Elie Serghaniand which is the second suchvisit within two years, hasfurther strengthened the ongoingrelationship between the chamberand Dekwaneh. The ultimate

objective of course, is to expose what Sydney/Australiahas to offer in safe investments and in trade & servicesto the Lebanese business community who have showndeep interest in Australia. This comes as a result of theChamber's continuous drive and promotional activitiesboth in Lebanon and in Australia.

Apart from official receptions and constructivediscussions both at parliament house in Sydney andParramatta City Council chambers, several meetingsalso took place with leaders in the business communityin Sydney to discuss ways of strengthening bilateraleconomic relations between the two countries. The talksand outcome were of enormous interest to both parties.

As a result of this second successful visit ,there are nowseveral projects being explored/studied both inAustralia and in Lebanon and already as a follow up,recent visits were made to Lebanon to pursue theseprojects and how best to move forward.

Michael RizkHead of Trade RelationsAustralia-LebanonThe Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce

The Port of Tripoli's New Infrastructure

The Port of Tripoli in North Lebanon will have a newInfrastructure on the newly constructed quay by earlynext year. The Tripoli Chamber of Commerce, the TripoliPort authorities and the Business Community at large,have welcomed this long overdue project.

Once finished, it will allow the Northern Port to handleup to 400,000 containers per year and which willultimately ease the pressure on the Port of Beirut. Thiswill also allow importers and exporters to transact theirbusiness much more efficiently, avoiding all the delays

caused when goods have to be off loaded In the PortBeirut and then transported to the North of Lebanon.

The Quay was built about two years ago by the ChinaHarbour Engineering company with Dar Al Handasah asConsultant. The Quay is 600m long and 16m deepwhich would allow large vessels to safely berth andoffload their cargo. That would bring the total number ofQuays in Tripoli, to nine.

Michael Rizk - ALCC

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ChamberNews 17

Arab Bank CEo visits Lebanon

The Chairman of Arab Bank Australia, Mr Geoff Wild andManaging Director and CEO, Joseph Rizk recently visitedLebanon.

During their visit the had several meetings with clients andArab Bank Lebanon executives to maximise ties betweenthe two countries.

Visitation and conferences were held with a number ofparties including the Dekwaneh Municipality headed bythe Mayor, Antoine Chakhtora, the developers andmarketers association of Lebanon, headed by Mr Eli Soma.

The level of activity and construction in Beirut and regionaldistricts was pleasing to see. Mr Wild was most impressedwith the overall positive attitude and resilience of theLebanese business sector and understands the overallpotential that exists for a country such as Lebanon in aregion that will require skill sets and expertise that theLebanese so well display.

A most rewarding trip that highlighted the great potentialfor business expansion between Australia and the Lebanon.

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Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce Our Sponsors

ChamberNews 22

OUR PARTNERS

DIAMOND SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

For details about sponsorship packages and membership, please call 02 9588 2244 or email [email protected]

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EVERYTHING ELSE IS JUST TRAFFIC.INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW GHIBLI | WWW.MASERATI.COM.AU

Nothing turns heads like a Maserati, and the sporty new Ghibli commands attention wherever you take

it. Ghibli was born from a racing heritage and the Maserati designed, Ferrari built twin turbo V6 engine

will help you find your voice again. It represents the perfect marriage of style and technology. From

the city to the long open road the Ghibli will be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. In fact, once

you’ve taken a test drive and seen it first hand, you’ll agree that everything else really is just traffic.

GHIBLI S – ENGINE CAPACITY: 2979 CC | MAX POWER: 410 HP AT 5500 RPM | MAX TORQUE: 550 NM AT 1750 RPM MAX SPEED: 285 KM/H | 0-100 KM/H: 5.0 SECS | FUEL CONSUMPTION (COMBINED): 10.4 L/100 KM*

*As per Australian Design Rule (ADR) 81/02.

SYDNEY 1300 708 906 | MELBOURNE 1300 971 677 | BRISBANE 1300 707 147 ADELAIDE 1300 856 429 | PERTH 1300 795 369

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Page 20: PARRAMATTA ON THE MOVE - ALCC · Parramatta café. Now, Parramatta City Council has launched an exciting and unique program, 'Activate Parramatta' to bring to life innovative and