RDCL and the World Bank Engage on Reform and Economic Revival Through the Legal Private Sector

 The President of the Lebanese Business Leaders Association (RDCL), Joumana Saddi Chaya, welcomed the World Bank’s Country Director for Lebanon, Mr. Enrique Blanco Armas, for a consultative meeting held at RDCL headquarters in Beirut. This visit reflects the World Bank’s choice to engage RDCL as the first private sector association to hear from and consult regarding Lebanon’s economic challenges and priorities for reform. The meeting was attended by RDCL Vice President Cyrille Arida, board members Diane Ayoub, Dalia Jubeili, Hassib Lahoud, and Valerie Zakka, along with members Mourad Aoun and Charbel Tawil, and General Manager Kamal Abi Fadel.

RDCL President Joumana Chaya emphasized that the legal private sector has always been — and remains — the pillar of the Lebanese economy. Despite significant obstacles, she underlined that the sector continues to invest, recruit, and create opportunity, while actively seeking new markets and paths for sustainable growth. “We face many hurdles,” she stated, “and access to finance — in the absence of a functioning banking sector and delayed reforms — is one of the most pressing.” In that context, Chaya called for international support to be channeled directly to the legal private sector, in parallel with ongoing efforts to advance public sector reforms.

For his part, Vice President Cyrille Arida emphasized that improving the effectiveness of the judiciary and public administration, as well as strengthening the rule of law, are fundamental pillars for economic recovery and attracting investment. He noted that certain challenges, such as the non compliance with tax and customs regulations, negatively impact state revenues, stressing that the legal private sector remains a key partner in generating public income and enhancing financial stability. He also expressed hope that the government will follow through on the commitments it made upon its formation.

From his side, Mr. Armas presented the World Bank’s ongoing programs in the energy and digital infrastructure sectors, including a solar power project in North Lebanon and a $50 million digital transformation initiative. RDCL reiterated its readiness to support these efforts, referring to a national digital plan already developed by the association, including a unified e-government platform. On this point, member Charbel Tawil noted that “E-Government is a key to restoring good governance.”

On the topic of renewable energy, board member Dalia Jubeili highlighted the leadership of Lebanese industrialists in advancing solar solutions and stated: “We are coming together with the Ministry of Energy and Water to push forward for clean, sustainable power.” RDCL reaffirmed its commitment to the target of reaching 30% renewable energy by 2030, contingent on the availability of affordable financing, a clear regulatory framework, and the necessary technical infrastructure for integration and storage.

The meeting concluded on a constructive and forward-looking note, with both parties agreeing on the need for pragmatic and actionable steps. Mr. Armas proposed launching sector-specific working sessions starting in September. RDCL reaffirmed its full commitment to working closely with the World Bank and the Lebanese government in building a transparent, rules-based economy anchored in governance, reform, and restored trust.

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