RDCL Organizes a High-Level Seminar to Strengthen Advisory and Financing Mechanisms for Lebanon’s Legal Private Sector, in Cooperation with the EU and the EBRD

 The Lebanese Business Leaders Association (RDCL) organized, in cooperation with the European Union Delegation to Lebanon and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), a specialized working session entitled “Financing the Lebanese Legal Private Sector”, held at the Beirut Digital District (BDD).

The session brought together Mr. Alessandro Vitadini, Head of the EBRD Office in Lebanon, and Mr. Cyril Dewaleyne, representing the European Union Delegation to Lebanon.

The discussion was moderated by Mr. Jean Tawile, economist and Member of RDCL’s Board of Directors, in the presence of RDCL President Mrs. Joumana Saddi Chaya, Board Members, a large number of RDCL members, and representatives of both European institutions.

The seminar opened with introductory remarks by Mr. Jean-Marc Ingea, RDCL member, who addressed the severe financing constraints facing Lebanon’s legal private sector since 2019. He emphasized that “the continued absence of legal and transparent financing channels is forcing companies into high-risk alternatives, while severely limiting their capacity to invest and produce.” He reaffirmed RDCL’s commitment to “providing a practical forum that brings together legal Lebanese enterprises and international partners, with the objective of translating existing challenges into actionable solutions.”

During the session, Mr. Jean Tawile presented the results of a live interactive survey conducted with participants, which showed that the overwhelming majority of companies rely on self-financing or on the personal resources of their shareholders, in the complete absence of traditional financing. He noted that “limited awareness of available programs, the complexity of compliance and documentation requirements, the lack of locally acceptable guarantees, and the high cost of advisory and audit services constitute the main obstacles preventing companies from benefiting from international support instruments.” He concluded that these findings “reflect a precise reality that calls for a practical and collective approach to reconnect the legal private sector with international financing institutions.”

For his part, Mr. Alessandro Vittadini outlined the EBRD’s approach to supporting Lebanon amid the collapse of traditional banking channels. He stated that “Lebanon represents a unique case globally, given the breakdown of its banking system, which has required us to work directly with companies through alternative and tailored solutions.” He explained that, in partnership with the European Union, the EBRD has developed financing and technical assistance programs targeting small and medium-sized enterprises, adding: “We seek companies with growth potential and management teams committed to international standards, as any successful partnership begins with genuine readiness to upgrade governance and operational practices.” He also highlighted the continuation of EBRD programs focused on innovation, efficiency, and the circular economy in the years ahead.

Mr. Cyril Dewaleyne presented the framework of cooperation between the European Union and Lebanon, underscoring that “European support directed toward the legal private sector is provided in the form of grants, not loans,” and is aimed at supporting production, job creation, and the reinforcement of the legal economy during a critical period. He added that the European Union is working on “developing new guarantee and financing mechanisms in cooperation with local and international partners, enabling a gradual expansion of beneficiary access,” alongside ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Trade to identify promising value chains and strengthen export capacities under the 2026–2027 financing cycle.

The representatives of the two European institutions in Lebanon clarified that, despite the slow pace of reforms, the fact that reform decisions remain at an early stage, and the need for further efforts to complete this process, they are observing a noticeable improvement in Lebanon’s overall climate. They noted that this development has translated into a different mindset toward Lebanon, characterized by greater openness and increased readiness to cooperate. They reaffirmed that both European institutions possess the willingness and the capacity to engage constructively and to support Lebanon and its legal private sector.

The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session addressing a range of practical issues, including lending conditions, financing ticket volumes, trade finance and documentary credit guarantees, tender financing mechanisms, as well as targeted support for sectors such as tourism and information technology. Discussions also covered guarantee requirements and the potential financing of legal studies aimed at improving the business environment and strengthening compliance.

In her closing remarks, RDCL President Joumana Saddi Chaya reaffirmed that “the core mission of RDCL is to defend the legal private sector and safeguard its interests,” noting that the Association continues to advance a number of key reform-oriented files. She emphasized the importance of building on this dialogue through intensified engagement with international partners, considering this seminar as the concluding milestone of RDCL’s 2025 activities, and expressed optimism for a new year marked by greater momentum and impact.